The mission of the Early Literacy Coalition is working collaboratively with business, library, health care, education, government and nonprofit leaders to comprehensively promote the benefits of early literacy development for young children age birth to kindergarten at home, through health care providers and in the community.

ELC focuses on three core goals for its work to comprehensively address early literacy:

• Provide parents with literacy support, resources and information to help them in their role as their child's first and most important teacher.
  
• Get books into the hands of children age birth to kindergarten.
  
• Promote community awareness of the benefits of investing in early literacy.

Did you know: The early years lay the foundation for future success.

Advances in brain science—such as those showcased in the August 15, 2005 issue of Newsweek—have taught us that children are constantly learning, right from birth. Research has shown that what a child learns during the first few years of life lays the foundation for all future learning.

Studies show that loving, nurturing relationships have a greater impact on a developing brain than flashcards and fancy toys. It's the everyday interactions that matter most.

Helping our children thrive during in the early years is our greatest challenge as a community, as well as our greatest opportunity.

What you can do at home to promote early learning:

• Understand and respond to your baby's needs.
• Take care of yourself so you can take care of your child.
• Talk, sing and read to your child.
• Create a predicatable world for your child.
• Provide a warm and loving environment.

What you can do in your community to promote early learning:

Help spread the word about the importance of nurturing young children so they can be better prepared for school and life.

Volunteer. We can connect you with great opportunities to read to kids, help a child care center, or support a family in some other way.

Be an advocate for kids. Stay informed and share information with key business and community leaders who can influence public policy to create lasting change.

Donate to United Way of Greater Duluth, and know that your dollars will do all of the above.

Learn more:
High-Impact Initiatives
Imagination Library
Big Red Bookshelf