Legislation would fund early literacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34) has signed on to co-sponsor the "Prescribe a Book Act," which authorizes a competitive grant program to support a pediatric early literacy initiative that trains doctors and nurses to encourage parents to read aloud to their children.The Prescribe a Book Act - known as PABA - authorizes $15 million in federal funding for programs that serve children "considered a high risk of underperforming academically" and "have a demonstrated track record of proven intervention. In California, the legislation will provide support to Reach Out and Read, an organization that promotes school readiness and early literacy. Reach Out and Read provides more than 1 million new, developmentally-appropriate books to young children each year. "I am proud to sign on as a co-sponsor of PABA," Roybal-Allard said. "The best way to protect America's economic security for the future is to invest in early education. It is crucial that we fund programs that are proven to prepare our nation's children for success in school and in life." The bill's other sponsors include Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

********** Published: April 28, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 2