Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation

Early Words continues to grow! We’re looking to reach more communities across Canada, especially where we know there might be limited resources. If your clinic or hospital would like to be a part of this no-cost program, which includes resources and training on how to bring early literacy into your practice, find out more and apply here by September 26. https://lnkd.in/gU_YRJxr

CCLF is seeking a Medical Advisor to support our work integrating early literacy into medical education. If you are a physician, medical educator, or health systems leader passionate about improving literacy outcomes through healthcare, we invite you to be part of this transformative effort! https://lnkd.in/gwFacZAx

We’re proud to present our new research report, What Would It Take…. Commissioned by CCLF and written by the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) with funding from the Max Bell Foundation and the Rotary Club of Calgary, Downtown, this landmark report explores what it would it take for every child in Canada to be learning foundational literacy skills by the age of five, and how Canada can build a system that ensures all children are on this path.  What Would It Take… provides evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations for leaders across sectors to prioritize early literacy, ensuring every child arrives in kindergarten equipped with the foundational pre-literacy (or early literacy) skills to thrive and learn to read. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gpKMEQrQ

We're delighted to be at Canadian Paediatric Society / Société canadienne de pédiatrie's annual conference today and tomorrow! Each year, this wonderful conference gives us the opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic healthcare professionals, all dedicated to bettering the lives of children in Canada.   Are you attending #CPS2025? Swing by our booth to chat about all things early literacy!

For many of us, our earliest experiences of reading came from a mother, grandmother, or caregiver with love and care. This #mothersday, celebrate the person who helped you fall in love with reading by making sure that every child in Canada has that same chance. When you donate to the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, you help us put books directly into the hands of children across Canada so they can experience the joy, comfort, and connection that reading with a loved one brings. Make a gift that gives back: https://lnkd.in/gFC2tFGM

This Bear Witness Day, we honour the 20th anniversary of Jordan’s Principle — a child-first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson.   Jordan’s Principle ensures that First Nations children can access the services and supports they need, when they need them, without delay or discrimination.   At CCLF, we are committed to advancing health equity through our Early Words program. We are honoured to work alongside healthcare providers, clinics, and health centres across the country who are striving to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children, youth, and families.   We invite everyone to learn more about Jordan’s Principle and how you can take part in #BearWitnessDay: https://lnkd.in/eyb49ebw

Moms do more than love. They teach, nurture, and often spark a child’s first connection to stories.   This Mother's Day, consider giving in honour of the person who read to you, so that another child can feel that same joy. Your donation supports our efforts to put books directly into the hands of children across Canada, helping families build the bonds and moments that shape a child’s world.   Give the gift of reading: https://lnkd.in/gFC2tFGM

On April 2, we delivered a webinar on building foundational literacy skills in early childhood, hosted by our friends at the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF). This session was designed to help educators and childcare administrators to better understand children’s literacy development and contribute to addressing Canada's literacy challenges. During the panel, hosts Dr. Liz Attisano and Dr. Kaitlyn Parks from CCLF shared their list of recommended reads for educators on early literacy. Check out their list here! --- The Invisible Toolbox: The Power of Reading to Your Child from Birth, by Kim Jocelyn Dickson. The Invisible Toolbox demonstrates how early, consistent reading builds a child’s “invisible toolbox” — a foundation of vocabulary, empathy, attention span, and background knowledge that is essential for future learning and school success. It covers the WHY of early literacy and its long-term benefits. While geared towards parents and caregivers, this book can also benefit early years educators who wish to know more about the hidden benefits of reading aloud. --- Strive for Five: Engaging in Conversation That Builds Young Children’s Language and Thinking, by Sonia Q. Cabell and Tricia A. Zucker. Strive for Five introduces a strategy which encourages five back-and forth conversational turns between an adult and child to deepen interactions and foster language rich changes. Packed with practical examples, model conversations, and easy-to-implement strategies, this book is a valuable tool for educators at any experience level. --- Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Key Practices for Educators, by Tanya S. Wright, Sonia Q. Cabell, Nell K. Duke, and Mariana Souto-Manning. Grounded in research-based practices, Literacy Learning… offers tailored guidance for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers alike. It emphasizes the power of intentionally creating print- and language-rich environments that foster communication, reading, and writing through play. By bridging theory with hands-on strategies to promote early literacy in developmentally appropriate ways, Literacy Learning is a fantastic in-depth tool for educators!

If you're attending Canadian Paediatric Society / Société canadienne de pédiatrie's #IMICH2025 in Winnipeg today, be sure to swing by the Wellington Ballroom between 11:00am and 12:30pm CDT! Cecile Henderson (CCLF's Program Manager, Nunavut) and Oopik Aglukark (Registered Nurse) will be presenting on healthcare-based early literacy promotion programming in Nunavut. https://lnkd.in/ewgaRrdK

Early Bird Registration is Now Open! Secure your spot for our Family Literacy Conference, happening October 7-9, 2025. Register by May 23, 2025, to take advantage of discounted rates! 🎓 Gain insights from industry experts 🤝 Network with like-minded professionals 📚 Explore our vendor market and resource fair Don’t miss out—spaces are limited, and prices go up after May 23! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gmvtU3DJ #EarlyBirdGetsTheWorm #Conference2025 #ProfessionalDevelopment #FamLitConf2025 #EmpowerStrengthenTransform