Foundations for Literacy

Strengthening foundations for literacy to improve childhood learning.

The earliest years of a child’s life (ages 3 to 6) present tremendous opportunity to support literacy and life skills that form the foundation for a lifetime of learning and fulfillment. Numerous research studies point to the power of early childhood education as an equalizer for children who live in low-resource contexts, thereby breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Yet access to these pre-primary learning opportunities is low, as only 17 percent of children in low-income countries are enrolled in preschool programs.

Recognizing the powerful role of pre-literacy as a foundation of a child’s future success, ACR GCD sources and tests innovative approaches for improving early childhood literacy and development. These solutions involve a continuum of actors—including parents, caregivers, teachers, schools, community members and policymakers—with the goal of empowering families, communities and societies to strengthen early childhood education programs and resources.