Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

Early Literacy: Leading the Way to Success

This National Institute for Literacy resource for policymakers explains the importance of early literacy initiatives. Educators of early learners may find this resource useful when discussing early literacy with school board members, state legislators, and other policymakers.

America's Early Childhood Literacy Gap 2009

This 2009 Jumpstart commissioned paper reviews the issues associated with early childhood literacy, particularly low-income communities and access to books.

Developing Early Literacy: Report of the Early Literacy National Reading Panel

This link is to Developing Early Literacy the Report of the Early Literacy National Reading Panel report. The report's content may be useful to educators of early learners when communicating with school board members.

Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters

This link to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count special report explores why achieving reading literacy by third grade is important. Educators of early learners may find it useful when discussing language and literacy development with parents, educators, policy makers, and community leaders.

Jumpstart

This link to the Jumpstart website provides information on the need to support early education for all children. The organization's focus is on children from low-income neighborhoods. The website's information may be helpful to educators of early learners when communicating with school board members.

Now for Later

This link to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Now for Later website promoting the importance of early learning. As noted at the Now for Later website, the initiative's purpose "is to help raise awareness among parents, professionals and community leaders of the importance of school readiness, the need for quality early learning opportunities, and the role of family and early childhood programs." Though intended for the state of Missouri, educators of early learners may find the content useful in their states. It is offered as an example of a state-wide initiative to enhance school readiness of early learners.

Schools: Why Reading is Job #1

This link to the Children's Reading Foundation website outlines a strategy for schools to enhance their reading instruction. As noted at its website, the Children's Reading Foundation encourages a strong foundation for reading success among young children. It is not an organization with a monetary endowment. Educators of early learners may find it useful to share the Children's Reading Foundation strategy with local district administrators and school board members.