Families at the Center of Early Literacy

First Steps Kent heard through parents and partners that families of children with developmental differences - specifically those with autism, blindness or low vision, and deaf or hard of hearing - were navigating literacy supports that often felt fragmented and isolating. Instead of creating another top-down initiative, the Inclusive Literacy Alliance (ILA) was built as a true partnership with families. In 2025, First Steps Kent launched the ILA with a belief that families closest to the challenge should help design the solution.

Over the past year, more than 20 parents and nonprofit leaders making up the ILA worked together to study the landscape, review data, learn from national practices, and design practical solutions. Through surveys, interviews, and conversations, the ILA heard one message repeatedly: families were not only seeking services, but they were also seeking connection. The research led the group to areas they wanted to focus on, as well as a handful of ideas that could change the trajectory of literacy outcomes for the children in these populations. 

The year's worth of work led to a large community convening of more than 100 parents and professionals, where four pilot ideas were presented.

One of the ILA parent leaders, Kristen Knapp, a speech-language pathologist and mother, described searching endlessly for answers when her daughter showed early signs of a delay. There were resources available, but no clear path to follow. From stories like hers came one of the ILA's pilot ideas: Welcome Kits for newly diagnosed families. Designed by parents, the kits would include a small gift for the child, practical literacy tips, a list of trusted community resources, and an invitation to join a peer mentoring program. We want these families to feel seen, supported, and not alone from the very beginning.

Another parent leader, Cara Sutliffe, told her story at the convening of her own experience of isolation after her son was diagnosed as deaf. She was overwhelmed, confused, and lost. She is helping design another pilot idea: Peer Mentoring program that connects parents who are newly navigating a diagnosis with those further along in the journey. While literacy strategies and resources are part of the program, the heart of it is empathy, shared experience, and resilience.

The other two pilot ideas presented include a lending library of adaptive technology to support early literacy for children, available through both of Kent County’s library systems, and an Inclusive Literacy Hub. The Hub will serve as a centralized website offering resources for families, professional training opportunities, and clear next steps following a diagnosis.

The ILA’s work reflects the Power of Early literacy. When families are supported early, especially during moments of uncertainty, children are better positioned to thrive. By centering parent leadership and building meaningful relationships, the ILA is strengthening early literacy in Kent County in a way that is both practical and rooted in human connection.