What are today's best practices in early literacy instruction, and what should schools and programs focus on in the near future? More than 20 of the biggest names in early literacy research explore the answers in this essential volume for program directors, administrators, and curriculum deveolpers. Using the landmark US National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) Report as a starting point, this accessible book breaks the report down into key takeaways, recommends future directions in policy and pratice, and tackles emerging issues and new research not addressed in the NELP report. Readers will get balanced, insightful analyses of the latest research on: identification of early literacy learning needs; phonological awareness and print knowledge; comprehension develoment; effective book sharing with young children; curriculum-based language interventions; the effect of socio-emotional development on academic outcomes; pre-K curricula; the role of home and parent programs in children's literacy development; and early literacy intervention for young children with special needs.