Literacy and Children's Health

Building Strong Minds and Healthy Futures in Clay County

Reading and playing with books is a wonderful way to spend special time with your baby. Hearing words over and over helps your baby become familiar with them. Reading to your baby is one of the best ways to help your baby learn.

Talking to your infant and toddler helps them learn to speak and understand the meaning of words. Pointing to objects and describing them as you read will help build their vocabulary. Having a large vocabulary gives a child a great start when they enter school.

Why Literacy is a Public Health Priority

Literacy isn’t just about reading; it’s about lifelong health. Children who develop strong literacy skills early in life are more likely to succeed in school, make informed health decisions, and lead healthier lives.

The link between literacy and health:

• Early brain development – Is shaped by language exposure and reading
• Children with strong literacy skills – Are more likely to understand health information
• Low literacy is linked to higher rates of chronic illness, obesity, and poor mental health
• Reading together – Strengthens parent-child bonds and emotional well-being

Local Impact in Clay County

• Nearly one in four children in Florida enter kindergarten without the skills needed to succeed
• Children in low-literacy households are at greater risk for developmental delays and poor health outcomes
• DOH-Clay partners with libraries and early learning coalitions to close the gap

What DOH-Clay is Doing

• Healthy Tales: Story Hour with the Health Officer: In partnership with the Clay County Public Library System, DOH-Clay visits Clay County libraries to bring a special story time experience focusing on health and nutrition and designed just for children. This program has been instrumental in reaching our youngest residents and promoting health and nutrition through informative and engaging books and activities.

How You Can Help

• Read with your child every day – even 15 minutes makes a difference
• Talk, sing, and play with your baby to build vocabulary
• Visit your local library and explore free early literacy programs
• Ask your pediatrician about literacy milestones and resources

Literacy Resources

Just Read, Florida! is the statewide reading initiative that prioritizes reading in Florida’s public schools and among all community groups and volunteer organizations that support literacy.

Just Read, Families! provides resources and guidance for parents on how to invest in their child’s future reading skills.

Florida Literacy Coalition is a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s Adult and Family Literacy Resource Center. FLC provides a range of services to support more than 20 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida.

Clay County Public Library System provides access to age-appropriate books for loan to Florida residents.

Clay County Library Storytime Schedule has special things for children like storybook walks outside, colorful books for little learners, craft and creation spaces, and fun programs where you can read, play, and explore!

Every Page Read Builds a Healthier Future

Together, we can raise leaders and healthier children in Clay County.