Given the size of the investment in professional development for early childhood educators and the dependence of educational reform on providing high quality professional development, the knowledge base of effective practices needs to be strengthened. In this paper, the authors report on the results of an effort to better understand the…

The issues of how and when to teach young children to read and write are sufficiently important and controversial that two professional organizations International Reading Association (IRA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), collaborated on a position statement, based on what is currently known from empirical…

There is a virtual consensus regarding the types of language processes, interactions, and material supports that are central for young children to become proficient readers and writers (Shanahan et al., 2008). In this study, we examine these supports in both home and school contexts during children's critical transitional kindergarten year.…

This article reports on two studies designed to examine the landscape of online streamed videos, and the features that may support vocabulary learning for low-income preschoolers. In Study 1, we report on a content analysis of 100 top language- and literacy-focused educational media programs streamed from five streaming platforms. Randomly…

This article reports on two studies designed to examine the landscape of online streamed videos, and the features that may support vocabulary learning for low-income preschoolers. In Study 1, we report on a content analysis of 100 top language- and literacy-focused educational media programs streamed from five streaming platforms. Randomly…

This study examines the impact of professional development on teacher knowledge and quality early language and literacy practices in center- and home-based care settings. Participants from 291 sites (177 centers; 114 home-based) in four cities were randomly selected to: Group 1, 3-credit course in early language and literacy; Group 2, course plus…

Research Findings: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the efficacy of a practice-based approach to professional development for family child care providers working in low-income communities. This approach included a literacy coaching component that anchors knowledge in practice. One hundred and twenty-eight family child care…

Language and vocabulary represent the very foundation of learning to read and write. Children who do not develop strong oral language skills and vocabulary in these early years will find it difficult to keep pace with their peers. Children use the natural medium of language for thinking. Those who acquire a substantial vocabulary are often able to…

Recognizing the importance of starting early, the purpose of our article is to examine if and how vocabulary is taught in commercially prepared early literacy curriculum for pre-K. Ten curriculum programs are reviewed to determine the prevalence of vocabulary instruction and the pedagogical practices used to support the learning of words and their…