Niño Early Learning Adventures (Niño ELA) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 6th Annual Little Readers Read-a-thon, an initiative by The Newborn Individualised Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) Australasia and Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) that encourages parents and carers to engage in the invaluable practice of reading to their premature babies during their hospital stay and beyond. This event, which invites neonatal intensive care and special care nurseries worldwide, fosters a global community dedicated to the well-being and development of our tiniest treasures.

Research shows that reading to children from infancy can significantly boost vocabulary and IQ scores later in life, with immediate benefits when the reader is a parent. It has been proven that newborns can identify their mother’s voice soon after birth, and this familiar sound can increase levels of oxytocin (the social bonding hormone) and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), creating a comforting environment that supports early development.

“We’re absolutely delighted to support this wonderful initiative, which highlights the crucial role of early literacy in a child’s development,” says Niño ELA Company Manager Melinda Ackerman. “At Niño ELA, we understand that fostering a love for reading from a young age not only builds strong foundations for academic success but also nurtures creativity, imagination, and a lifelong passion for learning.”

As a leading provider of early learning education and care in Victoria, Niño ELA’s involvement in the Little Readers Read-a-thon aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and nurture young minds. Sponsoring this event not only underscores our commitment to early literacy but also strengthens our ties to the community by supporting a cause that has a profound impact on families and children’s futures.

“We are deeply grateful for Niño Early Learning Adventures’ sponsorship, which provides crucial support for the Little Readers Read-a-thon and strengthens our mission to support families with premature and sick babies. Niño ELA’s commitment to early childhood development aligns with our goals, helping us reach more families and foster bonding through the power of reading,” says Felicia Welstead, CEO of LLTF.

To celebrate our sponsorship, Niño ELA will host a special event to launch the 2024 campaign at our Niño ELA Chadstone centre. This event will mark the beginning of a two-week journey where hospitals worldwide will track the number of minutes and books read to babies, fostering a sense of connection and purpose during a critical time in these young lives.

“This partnership is not just about supporting literacy but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of families facing challenging circumstances. We’re honoured to be part of an initiative that brings comfort, connection, and growth to these young children and their families” said Melinda Ackerman.