In early July of 2003, First Lady Jean Rounds sent a letter to all South Dakota health providers caring for children. The letter was an invitation to join her in offering the Reach Out and Read® Program to the children in South Dakota.

The First Lady and Governor Mike Rounds are committed to this early childhood literacy effort and have promised to provide the necessary books to any health care provider who is interested in supporting the Reach Out and Read program. The Governor has asked the Division of Child Care Services to coordinate the efforts to offer this program statewide.

For more information about the Reach Out and Read Program, please contact Child Care Services or call us at 1-800-227-3020 or 605-773-4766. p>

CCS is currently budgeting $200,000 per year on the Reach Out and Read South Dakota Project. At an average cost per book of $2.50, this allows for the purchase of 80,000 books.

South Dakota does not currently have an Advisory Board.