PlayReadVIP is an evidence-based parent education program developed at NYU Grossman School of Medicine that is integrated into pediatric well-child visits for children ages 0–3. The model focuses on strengthening parent behaviors that drive school readiness, specifically talking, reading, teaching, and playing. Delivered across 14 pediatric sites in New York City, the program currently reaches approximately 3,000 high-need families and has demonstrated measurable gains in children’s language, literacy, and cognitive development, along with reduced need for early intervention services.
With the Foundation’s support, PlayReadVIP is piloting a new delivery model through the Community Health Worker workforce, creating a pathway for sustainable scale through Medicaid reimbursement. Following an initial pilot at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, the initiative is expanding to a new site at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln and converting an existing site at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst to the Community Health Worker model. Both sites serve predominantly low-income, publicly insured families. This work will extend the program to an additional 200–400 families while building the infrastructure, including Community Health Worker training and certification, to support broader citywide expansion.