OCEANSIDE — Parents who think reading can wait until children start school are missing the opportunity to instill reading readiness skills in their toddlers, according to a nationwide literacy program. “Reach Out to Read” aims to bridge that misunderstanding through a family literacy program that begins at the pediatrician’s office.

“Reach Out and Read” asks pediatricians serving low-income families to give young patients, from 6 months to 5 years old, a new book to take home with them after every checkup, and to encourage parents to look at books with their children.

The goal of book giveaways and “Reach Out and Read” gatherings (to hear guest readers) is to help literacy become a solid part of a youngster’s childhood experiences.

Young patients of North County Health Services gathered Aug. 6 to hear guest reader Congressman Darrell Issa share a book. “We’re delighted to see the congressman here,” Michelle Bray Davis, community development coordinator of North County Health Services, said.

More than 40 pediatric clinics in San Diego County participate in the “Reach Out to Read” program, Tara Milbrand, associate director of Reach Out and Read San Diego, said. Presently, each clinic runs its own fundraisers to provide the free books to children. The pending “Prescribe a Book Act,” will provide complete funding for books if passed.

“Three years ago we tried to put together a collaborative of as many pediatricians as we could,” Donald Miller, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, North County Health Services and San Diego County American Academy of Pediatrics chapter president, said. “Every major medical group in San Diego County has a doctor in the program.”

The national “Reach Out to Read” program strives to make parents aware that children are developmentally ready to explore books at 6 months old.

“The focus is on child, and understanding their background,” Miller said, adding that people can’t assume that all families have books and read to their children.

”We encourage parents to turn the page, and share the story with their child,” Miller said. Reading to children at an early age improves a child’s performance in school, and develops a bond between parent and child, according to Miller. “The things you do for a child, now, make a difference,” Miller said.

In addition to giving new books to patients, Miller also keeps gently used books in the clinic waiting room to encourage literacy.

“Pediatricians have a special line with parents,” Milbrand said. “The pediatrician can assess if there’s any reading difficulties with the family.” Literacy is not a requirement to share a picture book with a child, but parents are referred to adult literacy programs as needed.

This year the “Reach Out to Read” program is expected to give out close to 5 million new books to 2.8 million low-income families nationwide.