Philadelphia NICU Literacy Program Launched
A new initiative provides Philadelphia families of premature infants with books and support to boost early development.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Babies
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Once Upon a Preemie has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to launch the NICU Nest Read to My Preemie program. The initiative aims to support 100 Philadelphia families by providing 10 free books for home libraries and specialized support.
Why it matters
The program aims to promote early literacy and help mitigate the increased risk of language delays associated with preterm birth. It also provides essential emotional support for parents managing the significant stress of a neonatal intensive care unit stay.
A 2021 study associated preterm birth with increased risks for academic delays, including lower performance in math and language arts. This program seeks to address these gaps, though the long-term school readiness outcomes for this specific cohort remain under investigation.
The players
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
A pediatric healthcare network providing neonatal intensive care and specialized support for families.
Once Upon a Preemie
An organization focused on supporting the development and literacy needs of families with premature infants.
William Penn Foundation
A philanthropic organization that provided the $165,000 grant to fund the initiative.
The details
The program provides in-person educational workshops for families and virtual support sessions for those with infants currently in the NICU. By encouraging reading, the initiative intends to stimulate language development in infants who may face neurodevelopmental challenges related to premature birth. It also addresses the parental stress inherent in the NICU experience.
Timeline
Jenne Johns gave birth to her son, Tochi, in 2013.
A study linked preterm birth to academic risks in 2021.
The NICU Nest program launched in Philadelphia in September 2026.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with ongoing efforts at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to improve long-term developmental outcomes for high-risk infants. It represents a shift toward incorporating early childhood literacy support directly into the neonatal care experience.
If you have a baby in the NICU, ask your care team about available literacy and support programs that can help you bond with your infant. Discussing these developmental resources with your pediatrician is a productive step to stay proactive about your child's language and school readiness.
The takeaway
Preterm birth is associated with a higher risk for language and math delays, making early literacy interventions a valuable tool for future school readiness. Parents of preemies can ask their medical team about early developmental support services available during and after the NICU stay.
Further reading
For more on how to support your child's growth, visit our Babies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PhillyVoice.
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