Providing Extra Literacy Supports in Pre-K: Considerations for Program Leaders

Research reveals that only 1 in 3 fourth graders are reading at grade level. Only 1 in 3 are proficient in reading! That makes me pause every time I read it. We also know that reading proficiency by fourth grade is a key predictor of future academic success. This statistic is one we see repeated across countless studies, articles, and reports about literacy. It resonates deeply with us as educators—it’s not just a fact, it feels like a call to action.

Why should we begin supporting literacy in pre-K?

We also know that reading proficiency doesn’t begin in third or fourth grade. The foundation for literacy is laid much earlier than that. Preschool and pre-K are critical periods for preparing children for lifelong academic and personal success, and providing the right literacy supports early is crucial.

Our youngest learners need to receive the right support at the right time. As early childhood administrators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that not only are children prepared, but educators and staff are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make that happen.

How do we provide proper literacy support in pre-K?

A well-researched, science of reading-aligned, comprehensive, play-based curriculum is an ideal foundation for early literacy instruction. It offers the right balance of evidence-based practices and engaging, hands-on learning, ensuring that children receive the best possible start in their literacy journey.

But the reality is that not all of us are in a position to fully implement such a curriculum. For some, a comprehensive, science of reading-aligned curriculum might not yet be in place, and budget constraints make it difficult to fund a complete adoption of new materials. Others may already have a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum in place, but must respond to requests from districts or oversight organizations to adopt a separate, specific science of reading-based program. Then there are those of us who simply want to do more—want to deepen our practice to serve students.

Whatever the case, the goal remains the same: to ensure every child has access to the tools they need to thrive in language, literacy, reading and more.

The Solution: A Literacy Supplement

In some cases, the solution isn’t a complete curriculum overhaul or a full-scale adoption of new materials. Instead, it may be a targeted pre-K literacy supplement. A supplement is often a far more affordable option compared to an entire curriculum change, and it can be precisely tailored to address specific literacy needs without disrupting what’s already working in your classroom.

However, not all supplements are created equal. To ensure you’re providing the best possible support for children and teachers, it’s crucial to carefully consider the quality and design of the supplement. To ensure you choose the right supplement, look for one that offers the following key features.

• Created by a trusted early childhood source: The supplement should be developed by a reputable, research-based provider with deep expertise in early childhood literacy.
• Explicit scope and sequence: It should have a clear, structured scope and sequence that uses a spiraled approach to revisit and reinforce essential skills throughout the year. This ensures skills build on each other in a way that supports long-term retention.
• Science of reading-based: The supplement should be grounded in principles derived from the science of reading, ensuring that it’s aligned with proven, research-backed strategies for teaching reading.
• Works alongside any pre-K curriculum for 4-year-olds: The supplement should be versatile and adaptable, easily integrating into your existing pre-K curriculum without the need for a complete shift.
• Play-based, fun, and engaging: Early childhood learners thrive when they are engaged, so the supplement should be playful and enjoyable, allowing children to learn through interactive, hands-on activities that are meaningful to them.
• Easy to use and implement: The supplement should be user-friendly for teachers, with minimal prep time required and clear, simple instructions for successful implementation.
• Easy to fit into a busy school day: The lessons should be designed to fit into the flow of a typical school day, without overwhelming teachers or students, while still delivering impactful, high-quality literacy instruction.

A well-designed literacy supplement can make a real difference in addressing gaps and reinforcing critical literacy skills, without the need for a full curriculum overhaul. By choosing wisely, we can provide students with the focused support they need while still fostering a joyful, effective learning environment.

Whether we’re adapting existing resources, exploring supplemental strategies, or advocating for more funding and support, the key is recognizing that no matter where we are, we all have the power to make meaningful changes and choices and answer that call to action.