(NBC 15 WMTV)
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MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A nonprofit group advocating for early childhood literacy was at the Capitol on Tuesday to discuss the topic in a special briefing session with lawmakers.
Reach Out and Read Wisconsin brought together doctors, families and advocates to talk about how shared reading helps early language skills and healthy relationships.
Organizers said these legislative meetings are crucial, especially since one in three kids under 5 years old are currently served by Reach Out and Read in Wisconsin.
“We are hoping that they’ll understand the importance of early literacy, the importance of shared reading from birth up to age five and beyond,” said Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and early literacy expert. ”We’re hoping that they will support an ask that we have in the budget for a portion of our funding that has come from the state of Wisconsin and previous years and that we’re anticipating continuing.”
The organization gives more than 147,000 kids and their families books and resources to equip parents in teaching their children early reading.
Organizers set a goal to reach 50% of kids by 2030.
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