Pediatric clinics at San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) handed out their last free reading kits to young patients this summer, wrapping up a new effort to prevent the learning loss that can happen when school lets out. The kits went to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten patients at five clinics across the county.  

This summer, SMMC distributed 230 Super Summer Learning Kits through its five pediatric locations: Coastside Clinic, Daly City Health Center, South San Francisco Clinic, Fair Oaks Health Center and San Mateo Medical Center. The kits, donated by the San Mateo County Health Foundation, include books, letter magnets, blocks and a family activity guide with ideas parents and caregivers can use to keep children engaged while school is out. 

The effort gave pediatric care teams another way to support early childhood development during routine visits. When families came in for appointments, children received a kit to explore, and providers took a few moments to point parents and caregivers to the guide and activity ideas. 

“As a pediatrician, there is nothing I love more than seeing a child’s delight when I hand them a book,” said Dr. Tatum Sohlberg, pediatrician at Daly City Health Center. “It reinforces our counseling to avoid spending the summer on an iPad or watching TV when we can hand the child an alternative activity that they are excited about. And parents are equally excited to have new ideas on how to engage with their kids over the summer and support their learning.” 

Research shows students can lose 20 to 30 percent of the reading gains they made during the school year over summer break, a setback that falls hardest on low-income youth and widens long-term learning gaps. The American Academy of Pediatrics has said literacy promotion is a core part of pediatric primary care.  

“I am thrilled to have more tools to help support early childhood education,” said Kara Ramos, nurse practitioner at Daly City Health Center. “I also love seeing patients light up when they get their kit.” 

A division of San Mateo County Health, San Mateo Medical Center is the public hospital and clinic system serving the health care needs of Medi-Cal and other publicly insured residents of San Mateo County, with an emphasis on education and prevention. 

Karen Pugh 
Communications Officer 
San Mateo Medical Center 
kpugh@smcgov.org 
650-787-6531