Implications for Practitioners
In recent years, greater attention has been given to the role of early childhood education programs in promoting the language and literacy skills of preschool-age children. The early years of a child's life are a critical time for acquiring important language and literacy skills. Researchers, educators, parents, and policy makers are increasingly coming to the conclusion that more effort needs to be given to strengthening the quality of child care programs across this nation. While many educators are making tremendous strides in promoting activities that build the literacy skills of children in their centers, a large number of early childhood educators do not have the education or training required to help children develop the essential literacy skills they will need upon entrance into formal schooling arrangements.
Findings from this study and others indicate that there are factors that influence the ability and willingness of early childhood educators to promote important language and literacy activities in their centers. Educators need access to high-quality children's literature, including age-appropriate books and other print materials. They also need more in-depth training that provides them with the latest research-based information on how to teach children fundamental literacy skills. Federally funded programs such as Head Start receive some degree of support to promote early literacy development within their centers; however, millions of children are cared for in programs that do not have financial support nor access to high-quality training in this area. More attention needs to be focused on how early childhood educators working in nonfederally funded programs can receive support and training that will assist them in their efforts to help children acquire essential early literacy skills.
Notes
1. The term "early childhood educator" is used throughout this article in a broad sense to encompass teachers, child care providers, and other practitioners who work with children in center-based preschool settings. For a more in-depth discussion of issues related to terminology in the early childhood field, the authors refer readers to Ron Banks' article "Terminology in the Child Care Field," which is available online at