Status: Getting worse
Most Recent Data:
55.1
percent
(2020-21)
Target:
63.2
percent
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
Baseline:
58.3
percent of children aged 5 years and under had parents or caregivers who reported that someone in their family read to the child 4 or more days in the past week in 2016-17
Increase the proportion of children whose family read to them at least 4 days per week
Summary
Reading to young children improves their language and literacy skills, and it’s linked to both better behavior and better health. Reading out loud is also a way for parents and children to share routines and regular positive interactions. Early intervention programs and national initiatives can help raise awareness about the importance of reading to children.
Topics: Children, Child and Adolescent Development, Parents or Caregivers, Social and Community Context
Workgroup: Early and Middle Childhood Workgroup
