We must ensure that ALL children enter school ready to read. Learning to read and write is critical for success in school and throughout life. By starting early, we recognize learning to read begins long before a child enters school.

Family members and early caregivers must build a foundation for literacy by talking and reading daily to babies and toddlers. Long before a baby babbles or says a first word she is beginning to develop skills necessary to learn how to talk and read. In addition, caregivers and preschool teachers must be given the education and training needed to help young children develop language and literacy skills.

Reading to a young child, even before a baby can hold a book, creates an appreciation for what books offer. Parents and caregivers will find that talking, singing, and reading will help their young children be ready for school.

Check out these excellent resources!

The report "A Good Beginning: Sending America's Children to School with the Social and Emotional Competence They Need to Succeed" is available online at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/childhp/fdnconsb.htm

Dragon Tales inspires children to spread their wings and soar. Home to dragons, doodle fairies, and ordinary kids like Max and Emmy, the series which was developed with funding from the US Department of Education, addresses the challenges preschoolers face every day.

National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education sponsors comprehensive and challenging research in order to help ensure that America's young children are successful in school and beyond. Parents, teachers, child care providers and others will appreciate the "related links" section, which leads to great information, activities for young children and more.

Building Your Baby's Brain - A Parent's Guide to the First Five Years
This new clearly-written booklet, packed full of illustrations and helpful charts, explains what scientists know about brain development. It shows how a few simple things parents do every day can make a big difference. To order book in quanities of 10 for $29.50. English and Spanish versions are available.

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