“Justice and Vukelich have assembled an outstanding group of educators to produce a book that is both scholarly and practical. This is an excellent resource for early childhood preservice teachers and for ongoing professional development.”

—Dorothy S. Strickland, PhD, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Professor Emerita, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


“This 'one-stop shop' for excellence in preschool settings is a 'must read' for early childhood professionals across the nation. Teachers, principals, child care providers and directors, and higher education faculty will benefit from the remarkable collection of language and literacy information presented in these pages. From designing high-quality programs to optimizing early learning environments, from assessments to coaching, this book has it all. It is informative, objective, interesting, insightful, and filled with practical applications. Each author is an expert in the field, which greatly contributes to the book's significance. The editors have done an outstanding job compiling the best of the best. If you are interested in creating a classroom of excellence in language and literacy, it is essential that this book becomes part of your classroom and personal library.”

—Susan J. Kimmel, PhD, Interim Director, Center for Early Childhood Professional Development, University of Oklahoma


“With the proliferation of publicly supported preschools, it is essential that educators and policymakers are informed by the most current and appropriate research on language and early literacy instruction. This book addresses the wide variety of issues that preschool teachers and administrators face every day. The contributors share their expertise on these issues from several perspectives that are grounded in scientifically based reading research. This text is relevant and important for graduate students in early childhood education and literacy, as well as for educational leadership candidates who may one day be making decisions on appropriate curricula, assessments, and teaching practices to best serve our youngest learners.”

—Deborah Gee Woo, EdD, Department of Literacy Education, New Jersey City University


“This book presents important information that will allow early childhood teachers, literacy coaches, administrators, and project coordinators either to develop or rethink and revise their language and early literacy programs. Particularly helpful are the multiple research-based perspectives that provide practical knowledge related to developing effective programs. Creating high-quality language and literacy learning environments and supporting early childhood teachers is critical. This timely book is a useful resource for anyone interested in developing and sustaining effective language and literacy environments for preschoolers.”

—Barbara A. Bradley, PhD, Department of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Kansas