ALIA Early Literacy

Literacy is the difference between educational success and failure; employment and unemployment; social inclusion and social exclusion. By the time children get to school, it is too late. Five-year-olds from homes with books, whose parents have read to them from birth, already have a significant learning advantage over those from homes without a reading culture. In fact, the critical period is from birth to three years of age.

There are excellent early literacy programs in some states, which have put books in the hands of babies and toddlers, and opened parents' eyes to the benefits of reading. However, provision across the nation is fragmented.

ALIA's objective is to link what is happening at the state, territory and local level and to help make it possible for every newborn Australian to have the best start in life. We welcome the opportunity to partner with others to achieve this goal.

ALIA Early Literacy connects the reading professionals who run state and territory-based early literacy programs, in order to promote the sharing of information and provide opportunities for collaboration. The group meets on an annual basis.

Find out more and contribute to the ALIA Early Literacy wiki.