Organizations for Early Childhood Literacy
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 64,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. ALA offers professional services and publications to members and nonmembers, including online news stories from American Libraries and analysis of crucial issues from the Washington Office.
http://www.ala.org
The Center for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA) is a national center for research on early reading, representing a consortium of educators from five universities; teacher educators; teachers; publishers of texts, tests, and technology; professional organizations; and schools and school districts across the United States. This site contains literacy links, TECH reports, presentations, products, and instructional resources.
http://www.ciera.org
The Children's Book Council is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to encouraging literacy and the use and enjoyment of children's books, and is the official sponsor of Young People's Poetry Week and Children's Book Week each year. The Council's Members include U.S. publishers and packagers of trade books for children and young adults.
http://www.cbcbooks.org
This site provides information on technology materials and practices to enrich the lives of persons with special needs. The site also has a forum for questions and discussions.
http://www.closingthegap.com
The International Reading Association is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit. This site contains professional development resources.
http://www.reading.org
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest organization of early childhood professionals and others dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood education programs for children birth through age eight. This site contains information and links for parents, professional development, Public policy issues, conferences, Week of the Young Child activities, and the publication Young Children.
http://www.naeyc.org/
This site contains literacy facts and a large index of additional resources.
http://www.national-coalition-literacy.org
The Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) created this site, which serves the American Library Association by supporting and promoting literacy and equity of information access initiatives for traditionally underserved populations.
http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/literacyoutreach.htm
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America site includes publications, professional development, accessible education technology, and links to other resources.
http://www.resna.org
ITLC Online -- -- http://www.wiu.edu/itlc/
Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University.