Learn ways to develop young children’s phonological awareness and how families can help their children build this key skill. Find out how kindergartner, Joan, developed phonological awareness from birth.

Explore resources related to developing young children's oral language and vocabulary, including support strategies for parents and families. See how these skills develop through the eyes of a kindergartener.

Discover how young children’s background knowledge is key to learning as well as ways parents and families can support it. Learn how background knowledge develops through the eyes of kindergartener, “Joan.”

Screening and assessment allow staff to understand each child’s strengths and needs. To plan learning experiences that support Big 5 skills development, staff need to use data from screening and assessment results.

Explore resources related to alphabet knowledge and early writing skills in young children, as well as support strategies for parents and families. See how the skills develop through the eyes of kindergartener Joan.

Explore these briefs that summarize the latest research and include ”try this” tips, which help translate the research to practice in meaningful ways.

The PLA is a comprehensive, research-based way for early education programs to ensure optimal language and literacy services for children who speak English and for those who are dual language learners..

Use this glossary that provides an accurate and consistent terminology database for translating Head Start materials from English into Spanish.

One-third of the children in Head Start programs are dual language learners (DLLs) who are learning English while also learning their home language. Virtually all of these children will code switch. In other words, they mix two or more languages in the same sentence while speaking. It is important that teachers, home visitors, and other staff understand what code switching is, the role it plays in language development, and how to respond to it.