Today's busy early childhood practitioners are being asked to do more, know more, and produce ""results,"" especially in the area of literacy development. This premier volume in TC Press' ""Practitioner's Bookshelf"" offers valuable information for leaders in preschool settings and pre-kindergarten classrooms. A handy reference, it covers key aspects of literacy learning and teaching, including child development, standards, curriculum planning, assessment and accountability, professional development, and home - school connections. Attention is given throughout to issues related to linguistic and cultural diversity among children and families, and all chapters end with ""leadership strategies"" that serve as a quick guide for action and reflection.