Participation in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Delaware

Literacy begins long before children encounter school instruction in reading and writing. Physical and social-emotional health, family supports, literacy-rich home environments (including telling stories), and parents who provide early cognitive development activities contribute to literacy development, reading achievement, and success in school. High-quality early care and education programs can also boost language and literacy skills and data show these quality programs have the greatest impact on children living in or near poverty. Students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary education or training, earn more as adults, and successfully transition into adulthood.

Literacy begins long before children encounter school instruction in reading and writing. Physical and social-emotional health, family supports, literacy-rich home environments (including telling stories), and parents who provide early cognitive development activities contribute to literacy development, reading achievement, and success in school. High-quality early care and education programs can also boost language and literacy skills and data show these quality programs have the greatest impact on children living in or near poverty. Students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary education or training, earn more as adults, and successfully transition into adulthood.