Language and Literacy Development Birth Through Kindergarten (EDU-266)

This course introduces the foundations of language and literacy development in children from birth through age five, emphasizing evidence-based strategies and developmentally appropriate practices that foster communication, comprehension, and early literacy skills across diverse early learning environments. Emphasis is placed on the developmental stages of emergent literacy, including receptive and expressive language, print awareness, and early writing, as well as the influence of cultural, linguistic, and family factors on literacy growth. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, and evaluate inclusive, literacy-rich experiences that promote language and literacy development, select diverse and developmentally appropriate materials, and design integrated activities aligned with the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.