18-Month Book Club
This program helps healthcare professionals provide early literacy support to the families they serve during the Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit.
Why early literacy is important
Early literacy experiences are more important for lifelong health than factors like job or income. Literacy supports healthy social and emotional development contributing to positive mental health and self-esteem in children.
For parents, research shows that shared reading is linked to better parenting styles, reduced maternal depression and stress, and improved feelings of confidence. It also strengthens the bond between child and caregiver through closeness and responsiveness. Increased screen time has reduced face-to-face interactions between caregivers and babies, raising concerns.
The 18-Month Book Club aims to promote reading, enhance development and lessen the impact of adverse childhood experiences on lifelong health. When parents receive advice from a primary care provider and a prescription to read, they tend to follow this guidance.
Parents will receive:
- An age-appropriate children's book
- Helpful tips for reading
- Resources for local support for families
Resources for Health Care Professionals
Health care provider package includes:
- Clinical tools
- Key messages for the visit and and a red flag document with referrals
- Information on community resources and supports
- Optional: An in-person academic detailing session (15 minutes) with a public health nurse to review emerging literature on literacy and recommended guidelines
Accredited courses
- Early Literacy Promotion: The A-B-Cs for busy clinicians
- Supporting Healthy Child Development with Ontario's Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit
- Optimizing Well-Baby Care: Conducting an Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit
To learn more and register, visit professional development opportunities.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
