Reducing the Word Gap

Many low-income children face a “word gap” during their early years. As a result, these children often begin school at a disadvantage compared to their peers. Research shows that talking, reading and singing to young children is the most effective way to build early literacy skills and prepare them to read in elementary school.

“A child born into a low-income family hears 30 million fewer words than a child born into a well-off family,” says President Barack Obama.“By giving more of our kids access to high-quality preschool and other early learning programs, and by helping parents get the tools they need to help their kids succeed, we can give those kids a better shot at the career they are capable of, and a life that will make us all better off.”

Too Small to Fail has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create an early literacy toolkit to assist all families in promoting early literacy. Children’s Council also offers a free library of educational books, toys and games, available to all parents and child care providers.