Early childhood educators' knowledge of early literacy development

The foundation of all learning is rooted in the development of language and literacy abilities. Literacy development begins well before children enter school and can accelerate in an early childhood classroom setting. Teacher educators often hear about the importance of literacy development. In particular, the significance of phonological awareness to emergent readers and writers is emphasized. Teachers must be adequately prepared to teach important phonological awareness skills and must have a basic understanding of language structure. This study explores the extent to which early childhood educators are knowledgeable in regard to these components of early literacy. If teachers are knowledgeable in phonological awareness and language structure, then they have the potential to positively impact students' early literacy development. (Contains 3 tables and 1 note.)