Read to Grow Launching Newborn Literacy Project at Waterbury Hospitals

On Monday, September 28, Read to Grow plans to launch its Newborn Literacy Project at UConn Health Waterbury Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital.

With these two Waterbury hospitals joining the program, every birthing hospital in Connecticut will now be part of Read to Grow’s statewide Newborn Literacy Project, ensuring every child born in Connecticut will have the opportunity to begin building a foundation for literacy from birth.

The Newborn Literacy Project brings together hospitals, community organizations, families, and local leaders around early literacy. Through the Newborn Literacy Project, families receive a literacy packet that includes a free board book along with information and resources encouraging parents and caregivers to read, talk, sing, and share stories with their babies from the very beginning. The program is designed to support parents as their child’s first and most important teacher while helping families understand the powerful role early language and literacy experiences play in a child’s development.

WHERE AND WHEN: 

• September 28 at 10 a.m.: Visit and tour at Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants Center – Read to Grow’s Bookmobile on site
• September 28 at 12 p.m.: Press conference featuring Mayor Pernerewski, local elected leaders, hospital administrations, and Read to Grow staff in Library Park
• September 28 at 1 p.m.: Visit and tour at UConn Health Waterbury Hospital – Read to Grow’s Bookmobile on site