Jim Loomis, a clinical psychologist and manager of Child and Family Support Services at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, said that research indicates that reading to children early is one of the stronger predictors of school performance. Early reading is important. Loomis said there has been a push by local school districts recently to begin such programs. Even the medical center has an early reader program. Loomis said one of the biggest problems for early reading is the television, because it often takes away from time children should be reading.
Parents'busy schedules can also be a problem when it comes to reading to a child.
Giannini tries to track births in town as best she can. She then contacts the family and asks to arrange a meeting. If new parents do not hear from the principal, or in the case of adoption or recently relocating to the town, Giannini asks that parents contact her at the school at 295-6220.