Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Task 1: Communicate and Collaborate with Parents and Caregivers

Guideline: Communicating and involving parents and caregivers in decision making is an essential aspect of early childhood learning. Educators of early learners should make a conscious effort to inform and work closely with parents and caregivers to provide quality educational experiences for all students. When communicating with national-origin language minority parents and caregivers about school-related matters, the school must do so in a language they understand.

resources

PRACTICAL TIPS

Communicating with Parents and Caregivers

This link to the Head Start program's Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center provides practical tips for communicating with parents and caregivers.

Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education

This link to the RTI Action network provides practical tips for educators of early learners on engaging families in early childhood education.

Helping Your Child

This link is to the U.S. Department of Education's Helping Your Child publication series. As noted at its website, "These booklets feature practical lessons and activities to help their school aged and preschool children master reading, understand the value of homework and develop the skills and values necessary to achieve and grow."

REFERENCES

Connecting with Parents in the Early Years

This link to the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parent provides the findings on a W. K. Kellogg Foundation funded project examining communicating with parents of early learners. Though this project dates back to 2003 the book's content may be useful to educators of early learners in gaining an understanding of the issues associated with communicating and collaborating with parents and caregivers. To read an Executive Summary click here.

Engaging Families in Student Learning

Developed by the five former Comprehensive Technical Assistance content centers, the Handbook on Effective Implementation of School Improvement Grants aims to bolster the effective implementation of the intervention models and strategies outlined in the 2009 School Improvement Grant program. This section addresses family involvement.

School Community Network

This link is to the School Community Network website. As noted at its website, "The School Community Network (SCN) provides resources and tools to build strong school communities." Families-Schools.org formerly sponsored by the Center on Innovation and Improvement is now part of the School Community Network.

The English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Parents

The English Language Learner (ELL) KnowledgeBase for Parents is an online resource parent advocates can use to help parents understand the ELL student program available at their child's school. It offers resources related to parent rights under federal education laws and how parents can be involved in their child's education.

Writing to Linguistically Diverse Audiences

Writing effectively for an audience with a wide variety of backgrounds is difficult. This page provides several resources to help writers craft their message to reach the widest possible audience.