Each Reach Out and Read Program has a Medical Consultant: a doctor or nurse who is responsible for the job of training medical colleagues, connecting with the executive leadership of the clinic, and generally serving as the medical 'face' of the Program. The Medical Consultant is supported by a Program Coordinator: a person responsible for the administrative aspects of running the Reach Out and Read Program (i.e. ordering books, stocking exam rooms, coordinating volunteer readers). The Program Coordinator can be any interested staff member familiar with the clinic, the staff, and the patient population. Both roles are usually voluntary in nature and take very little time each month. Occasionally, one person fulfills dual roles of Medical Consultant and Program Coordinator.

All clinics/practices applying to start Reach Out and Read Programs are required to demonstrate that they have secured at least 75% of their Annual Book Commitment (ABC, the total number of books needed for a Program annually, which is equivalent to the annual number of well-child visits for children ages 6 months through 5 years). On average, Reach Out and Read Programs spend approximately $2.75/book. Use this simple equation to get an estimate of your Annual Book Budget:

Estimated Annual Book Budget = # of well-child visits (6 months through 5 years) annually X $2.75

Support for a Reach Out and Read Program's ABC typically comes from a variety of local, regional, and/or statewide resources, and can be either funds for books or actual new books. (Click here to determine if there is a Reach Out and Read Coalition in your area.) Pediatric clinics/practices that demonstrate in the Reach Out and Read application that they have the 75% minimum level of support are typically approved and activated. Programs that have not yet met this requirement are placed on a waiting list until they can demonstrate they have secured 75% of their ABC.

A. Complete Program information online

The fastest and most efficient way to apply to become a Reach Out and Read Program is by applying online.

If you do not have computer capabilities, a paper version of the application is available by contacting the Reach Out and Read National Center at 617-455-0631 or startup@reachoutandread.org.

B. Upload, Email, Fax, or Mail your Letter of Support

A letter of support must be submitted with your application. This letter must clearly state your senior leadership's commitment, financially and otherwise, to sustain the Reach Out and Read Program. The support letter must be signed by the Medical Director and/or Executive Director of your organization, and must be type-written on company letterhead. Read a sample letter of support.

You may submit your letter of support:

• By uploading
  Once an application is started, you will have the option to upload your letter of support directly to the National Center.
• By email, as an attachment
  startup@reachoutandread.org.
• By fax
  617-455-0601.
• By mail National Programs Assistant
  Reach Out and Read National Center
  56 Roland Street, Suite 100D
  Boston, MA 02129

Once the Letter of Support and Program Information have been received, you will receive an email notifying you that your application is complete

Once a month (usually during the last week of the month), the Reach Out and Read Application Review Committee reviews all completed applications. Each application is reviewed individually. A committee member may contact the applicant to clarify points of interest.

An email with updated information about your application's status is sent within one week after the Review Committee has reviewed the application. If your application does not demonstrate that you have secured the 75% minimum requirement of your Annual Book Commitment, this email will inform you that your clinic/practice will be placed on the waiting list. If your application demonstrates that you have at least 75% of your ABC, this email will inform you that your clinic is becoming an official Reach Out and Read Program.

Medical Providers must receive official Reach Out and Read training before implementing the Reach Out and Read program. Each provider participating in the Program will receive a personal login for www.myROR.org, through which they can access the individual, CME-accredited Reach Out and Read training. Once 75% of the providers at your Site have completed the training, your Site will be approved to begin implementing the Reach Out and Read program.

A. Welcome Kit Sent

Approximately four to six weeks after a Program has been notified that it has been approved to become an official Reach Out and Read Program, it will receive a Reach Out and Read Welcome Kit, which includes medical provider training information and materials, posters, bookmarks, and a Reach Out and Read/Scholastic Book Catalog.

B. Scholastic's Pre-Paid Account

Each Reach Out and Read Program receives a Reach Out and Read/Scholastic pre-paid account in which you can deposit funds for purchasing Scholastic books for your Reach Out and Read Program. When you receive notification that your application has been approved, you will receive your Scholastic Account Number and additional information about how to take advantage of this helpful resource.

C. Selecting High-Quality, Low Cost Books

Reach Out and Read partners with numerous publishers and distributors to offer Reach Out and Read Programs resources and special offers for deeply discounted children's books and collections. Once approved, Programs are able to visit the Reach Out and Read website and view the most current offers from Reach Out and Read-approved vendors.

Contact the Reach Out and Read National Center by calling 617-455-0631 or emailing startup@reachoutandread.org. You may also click here to determine if you may be affiliated with a Reach Out and Read Coalition which also provides technical support throughout the startup process.