The Pediatric Steps to Literacy, One Book at a Time project, funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation with additional support from Howard P. Milstein, aims to ensure that children in at-risk communities develop proficient literacy skills and become lifelong learners poised for success.
Our Mission
Pediatric Steps to Literacy seeks to harness the potential of clinical-community partnerships to tackle disparities in health, education, and child development. Our mission is to empower pediatric primary care practices in communities at greater risk and to inspire positive change in child health outcomes and academic achievement.
Why Literacy Matters
At the core of our project lies the recognition that early literacy is a powerful catalyst for lifelong success. The first three years of a child's life are pivotal for cognitive development, making it imperative to foster language-rich interactions. Engaging with caregivers in literacy-focused activities during this critical period not only nurtures emotional-relational health but also lays the foundation for academic excellence.
Addressing the Vocabulary Gap
Tragically, children from lower-income homes often face a significant vocabulary gap compared to their higher-income peers. By age three, they may hear 30 million fewer words, resulting in profound implications for educational attainment, income, and housing. Pediatric Steps to Literacy aims to bridge this gap by strategically partnering with pediatric primary care practices embedded in high-risk communities.
Pediatricians as Literacy Advocates
Recognizing the influential role of pediatric providers, our project aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to commence literacy promotion in the primary care setting from birth. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to encourage parents and caregivers to engage in literacy-focused activities that support healthy development. By integrating literacy support into well-child visits, particularly for high-risk, low-income children, pediatricians become key players in shaping lifelong learners.
How We Collaborate
UHF collaborates closely with select pediatric primary care practices, guiding them through the process of strategizing, developing, and implementing early childhood literacy approaches. By fostering a collaborative approach, we aim to encourage young children's literacy development and enhance reading readiness, thereby setting the stage for a future where literacy is a cornerstone of every child's journey. Under this project, practices have been able to transform their waiting areas into literacy-rich environments, develop age-appropriate literacy kits for distribution, learn how to incorporate evidence-based models of early literacy development, and connect with community partners for additional resources and collaboration opportunities. UHF has curated a curriculum, informed by subject matter experts, that incorporates evidence-based models, highlights available resources and strategic partnerships, and provides individual guidance on project strategies.
Pediatric Steps to Literacy, One Book at a Time envisions a future where every child has access to the transformative power of literacy, thanks to the dedicated efforts of pediatricians and primary care settings.
Susan’s primary focus at UHF is building and managing the statewide Pediatrics for an Equitable Developmental Start (PEDS) Learning Network. She leads the project management team in fulfilling all grant activities, including developing content for the online resource center, and managing the fellowship and learning collaborative programs, with a focus on child health and educational equity.
Before joining UHF in 2020, Susan worked at the American Cancer Society for 11 years, where she built strategic alliances with major health systems and worked to ensure high-quality and equitable access to cancer care and prevention for underserved populations. She has also held operational roles at Children’s Aid Society, Public Health Solutions, and the William F. Ryan Community Health Center.
Susan earned a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management from New York Medical College and a Bachelor of Science from the College of Mt. Saint Vincent. She is also a graduate of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement–Emerging Latino Leadership Program.
Project Mentor
Andy Aligne, MD
Executive Director of the Hoekelman Center
University of Rochester Medical Center