In the heartland of Kansas, a partnership is beginning that will ignite a passion for reading that knows no bounds. As pages turn, young minds are transported to enchanting worlds, embarking on captivating adventures alongside intriguing characters. Kansas has two impactful statewide literacy initiatives, Turn a Page. Touch a Mind.® (TAP-TAM) and the Kansas Imagination Library, making literature accessible to every child up to age five, irrespective of their background or circumstances. These programs result from the dedicated efforts of the Kansas Pediatric Foundation, Kansas pediatric providers, the State of Kansas, and the visionary Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Recently, Denise Cyzman, Executive Director, and Michelle Horst, TAP-TAM Director, met with Zach Vincent, the Governor’s Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs. The purpose? To explore potential synergy between these programs to spread the magic of books to even more children. The meeting revealed many ideas and shared goals, leading to KAAP/KPF’s invitation to a celebratory event heralding the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library. Dr. Kelly Kreisler, KAAP/KPF Board Vice President; Denise Cyzman, Michelle Horst, and around 450 others experienced stories and music during Dolly Parton’s hour-long appearance, marking the milestone of the Kansas Imagination Library’s growth.
Turn a Page. Touch A Mind. (TAP-TAM)
TAP-TAM connects pediatric providers, caregivers, and families, nurturing early literacy in the hearts of Kansas children. At every well-child visit, children receive a thoughtfully chosen book, tailored to their development. Within the exam room, trained providers integrate developmental strategies of early literacy, empowering caregivers to read aloud to their young ones. With over 700 providers spanning more than 150 sites, an astounding 1.6 million books have been distributed thus far. This year alone, a projected 195,000 books will grace the eager hands of Kansas children. Notably, this program is entirely cost-free for providers and their patients. Interested pediatric providers can consider becoming a TAP-TAM site by exploring enrollment details here.
Imagination Library of Kansas
In parallel, the Imagination Library extends its reach by providing age-appropriate, top-quality books to children from birth to age five, building a treasury of 60 books by age 5. Every month, young readers will receive their own book, arriving by mail. Just like TAP-TAM, these literary treasures come at no cost to families. Enrollment is simple and can be completed through the initiative’s website. We encourage all KAAP members to promote this program as an additional program to support childhood literacy. At its core, investing in early literacy is an investment in the flourishing generations shaping our tomorrow.
Fostering a Love for Reading: Kansas’ Dual Literacy Initiatives
In the heartland of Kansas, a partnership is beginning that will ignite a passion for reading that knows no bounds. As pages turn, young minds are transported to enchanting worlds, embarking on captivating adventures alongside intriguing characters. Kansas has two impactful statewide literacy initiatives, Turn a Page. Touch a Mind.® (TAP-TAM) and the Kansas Imagination Library, making literature accessible to every child up to age five, irrespective of their background or circumstances. These programs result from the dedicated efforts of the Kansas Pediatric Foundation, Kansas pediatric providers, the State of Kansas, and the visionary Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Recently, Denise Cyzman, Executive Director, and Michelle Horst, TAP-TAM Director, met with Zach Vincent, the Governor’s Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs. The purpose? To explore potential synergy between these programs to spread the magic of books to even more children. The meeting revealed many ideas and shared goals, leading to KAAP/KPF’s invitation to a celebratory event heralding the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library. Dr. Kelly Kreisler, KAAP/KPF Board Vice President, Denise Cyzman, Executive Director, Melissa Horst, Director of the Kansas Pediatric Foundation, and around 450 others experienced stories and music during Dolly Parton’s hour-long appearance, marking the milestone of the Kansas Imagination Library’s growth.
Turn a Page. Touch A Mind. (TAP-TAM)
TAP-TAM connects pediatric providers, caregivers, and families, nurturing early literacy in the hearts of Kansas children. At every well-child visit, children receive a thoughtfully chosen book, tailored to their development. Within the exam room, trained providers integrate developmental strategies of early literacy, empowering caregivers to read aloud to their young ones. With over 700 providers spanning more than 150 sites, an astounding 1.6 million books have been distributed thus far. This year alone, a projected 195,000 books will grace the eager hands of Kansas children. Notably, this program is entirely cost-free for providers and their patients. Interested pediatric providers can consider becoming a TAP-TAM site by exploring enrollment details here.
Imagination Library of Kansas
In parallel, the Imagination Library extends its reach by providing age-appropriate, top-quality books to children from birth to age five, building a treasury of 60 books by age 5. Every month, young readers will receive their own book, arriving by mail. Just like TAP-TAM, these literary treasures come at no cost to families. Enrollment is simple and can be completed through the initiative’s website. We encourage all KAAP members to promote this program as an additional program to support childhood literacy. At its core, investing in early literacy is an investment in the flourishing generations shaping our tomorrow.
