This NAEYC presentation at White House Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development: Ready to Read, Ready to Learn describes key elements of early literacy and emphasizes essential supports for children's positive development and learning. The presentation focuses on the ways early childhood teachers can support children's language/literacy and…

Maintains that many early childhood educators are apt to practice nice thinking rather critical thinking when, in fact, the latter would clear their heads and inform practice. This position is supported by examples of teachers' uses of such terms as "home-school cooperation,""planning," and "curriculum." (BB)

Maintains that historically the mission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has centered on overcoming the obstacles to achieving quality in early childhood programs. After recent debate, the mission statement was changed to call for facilitation of improvement of working conditions in the early childhood field.…