From PhillyVoice · · 1m 40s
Preterm babies get early literacy boost through CHOP program
CHOP's NICU Nest program helps preterm babies overcome language delays with books and parental support
In brief
CHOP's NICU Nest program helps preterm babies overcome language delays with books and parental support Early reading with parents reduces language delays in preterm babies Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Preterm babies face language delays
Preterm babies have higher risk of early language delays and reading challenges compared to full-term babies
“Preterm babies face a higher risk of early language delays and challenges with being ready for kindergarten and reading and spelling”
CHOP launches NICU Nest program
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia partners with parents to offer free books and educational workshops for preterm babies
“The NICU Nest Read to My Preemie program offers free books, educational workshops and support”
Program targets 100 families
The program aims to help at least 100 Philadelphia families with preterm babies through in-person workshops and care packages
“Every family leaves with care packages including 10 free books to help build their at-home libraries”
Funded by William Penn Foundation
A $165,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation funds the NICU Nest program for preterm baby families
“The NICU Nest program is funded by a 165,000 dollar grant from the William Penn Foundation”
Preterm babies need early intervention
Babies born preterm have less brain development time in the womb, leading to language delays and reading challenges
“The earlier that they're born, the more likely that they are to not have that full third trimester when so much brain development is happening in utero”
Parental voice helps development
Preterm babies respond to parents' voices, which helps build language skills and vocabulary
“We know that preterm babies respond to their parents' voices, so all of this is still grounded in the science of preterm brain development”
Program reduces isolation
The program creates community for preterm baby parents who often feel isolated during NICU stays
“One of the NICU Nest program's biggest contributions is creating a community within an experience that otherwise can feel so isolating”
Long-term benefits
Early reading with parents helps preterm babies catch up academically and read above grade level
“For me, as a parent, it's been amazing to see how those early seeds that we deposited way back when in the NICU are showing up academically”
Real-world impact
A Philly mom's book helped her son overcome NICU challenges and now reads above grade level
“For me, as a parent, it's been amazing to see how those early seeds that we deposited way back when in the NICU are showing up academically”
Program supports mental health
The program provides emotional and mental support to parents during NICU stays
“Having a baby admitted to the NICU can be a stressful, anxiety-producing and sometimes even traumatic experience”
Early literacy matters
Research shows preterm babies perform worse in reading and math as school-age children compared to full-term babies
“A 2021 study found that even being born a few weeks early was linked to higher risk of worse performance in math and language arts”
At a glance
Early reading with parents reduces language delays in preterm babies
