Literacy Information and Research

The Australian Early Development Index

Community measure of young children’s development.

American library Association

Initiatives and information relating to early literacy and the every child ready to read strategy

National Literacy trust (UK)

The National Literacy Trust is an independent UK charity dedicated to raising literacy standards. For all age groups.

Reading is Fundamental (UK)

A comprehensive website with the aim ‘creating a nation of lifelong readers’, suitable for both professional educators and parents. One of the initiatives of the National Literacy Trust (above).

The site has downloadable tip sheets for parents on choosing books for your child, and helping children to read.

Brainwonders (US)

A wealth of information, devoted to the healthy development of infants and toddlers.

The child literacy centre (UK)

Written in clear and understandable language for families. Includes tips and skills.

Read to me (US)

Idaho State library website with information on brain development, books and babies and early literacy skills. Contains links for further information.

A parent’s guide to emergent literacy (US)

Easy to read tips from birth to 5 years, from the Pasadena Public Library

Get ready to read (US)

An initiative to build the early literacy skills of preschool-age children. The initiative provides an easy-to-administer, research-based screening tool to early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents in order to help them prepare all children to learn to read and write.

A program of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Website has literacy checklists for the home, activity cards for parents under the menu Get Going and a useful section of links under Get Informed

Parenting information project (Australia)

This $3.2 million Parenting Information Project aims to inform all levels of government and the community sector on what most needs to be done, and what improvements in parenting information would make the biggest difference for parents and their children. The project will help shape future strategies for communicating with and supporting parents.

Not much to see yet, but perhaps worth keeping an eye on.

Westmead Children’s Hospital - fact sheets (Australia)

Fact sheets for parents including some on eyes and ears. Look particularly for Language development: the Early years in the Face, Mouth and Speech section.