ROCKFORD (WGEM) - It's typically go to the doctor and get a lollipop. For many Illinois kids, it's now go to the doctor and leave with a book.

That's because their pediatricians participate in the Reach Out and Read program.

"Our program strengthens the relationships between children and their caregivers and lays the foundation for early learning," said Reach Out and Read Illinois Medical Director Dr. Mariana Glusman.

Participating pediatricians give their patients a book following their checkups starting at 6 months old until they're 5. Doctors give Illinois families more than 180,000 books annually according to Reach Out and Read Illinois.

"I like to think of those books as our vaccines against illiteracy," Glusman said.

She said studies show kids who participate in Reach Out and Read usually had average or above average literacy skills by the end of kindergarten.

"The program has proven that it has a track record of preparing children for kindergarten, strengthening child and parental bonds, building relationships between parents and health care providers and facilitating early learning and brain development for children," said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

That's why Pritzker said the program is another important investment in young children.

"We recognize that the future of our state will depend on our ability to help every child to reach their full potential," Pritzker said.

Pritzker and Glusman were among those in Rockford Thursday celebrating a grant to expand the program in the Rockford region. While grant only impacts the Rockford region, Read Out and Read is available throughout Illinois.