Early Literacy: Policy and Practice in the Preschool Years

As early childhood education moves front and center in the public policy debate, more attention is being paid to early literacy. Early childhood professionals have long recognized the importance of language and literacy in preparing children to succeed in school. Early literacy plays a key role in enabling the kind of early learning experiences that research shows are linked with academic achievement, reduced grade retention, higher graduation rates and enhanced productivity in adult life. This report synthesizes the body of professional knowledge about early literacy and offers research-based recommendations.

What we know:

• Literacy development starts early in life and is highly correlated with school achievement.
• All of the domains of a child’s development —physical, social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy—are interrelated and interdependent.
• The more limited a child’s experiences with language and literacy the more likely he or she will have difficulty learning to read.
• Key early literacy predictors of reading and school success include oral language, Alphabetic Code, and print knowledge.
• Well-conceived standards for child outcomes, curriculum content, and teacher preparation help establish clarity of purpose and a shared vision for early literacy education.
• Increased demands for program accountability are often heavily focused on assessments of children’s early literacy development.
• Highly capable teachers are required to implement today’s more challenging early literacy curriculum.
• Teacher knowledge, respect and support for the diversity of children’s families, cultures, and linguistic backgrounds are important in early literacy development.

This Preschool Policy Brief was published by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University, April 2006. Reprinted with permission.

As the holiday season approaches a friendly reminder we will be closed on Monday December 26th and Monday January 2nd as our holidays for the school.

 Links 2 Home!

We are committed to communicating with you every day about your child’s progress. When you enroll, you will receive a report and photos each day, accessible through your email as well as our mobile app. Links 2 Home. Through the app, you can also let us know any special notes for the day. All of your photos and reports are securely saved during your time with us, so you will be able to look back and enjoy the great memories. Enroll today and experience the fun and learning through Links 2 Home.

• Please be sure to wash your child’s hands upon entering the classroom.
• If your child has received any new immunizations, please make sure we have an updated record in your child’s file.
• All outside food must be store bought.
• Inform the front office if your emergency contact information changes.
• Please sign your child in and out each day.
• Label all your child’s belongings.
• Please put appropriate foot wear on your child for active play.

The state of North Carolina requires us to submit to them a complete record of every child enrolled immunizations they have had since birth.  Please make sure we have your child’s most current immunization record on file.  If your child has received any immunizations in 2016 please have your doctor office fax a copy of the new record or drop off a copy of the new record to the office.  Our fax number is 704-547-9724.  The reporting will begin January 3rd.

From the Education Department 

Helping Children Develop the Spirit of Giving

December, 2016   |   Topics: Citizens of the World, Social-Emotional Learning

The holidays are a busy time for all of us, filled with family traditions, get-togethers, shopping and traveling. With the hustle and bustle of it all, it’s important to pause and reflect on our many blessings and invite our children to do so as well. It’s a great time to[.....]
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