# 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
- Title: Preterm babies get early literacy boost through CHOP program
- Summary: CHOP's NICU Nest program helps preterm babies overcome language delays with books and parental support Early reading with parents reduces language delays in…
- Keywords: preterm babies, chop, nicu nest, early literacy, parental support, language delays, children's hospital of philadelphia, read by 4th community project, william penn foundation, news, local, Preterm
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/preterm-babies-literacy-development-delays-chop-program
- Published: 2026-09-23T09:01:00.983+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: preterm babies, chop, nicu nest, early literacy, parental support, language delays, children's hospital of philadelphia, read by 4th community project, william penn foundation, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

Early reading with parents reduces language delays in preterm babies