Advancing Early Literacy for Children with Developmental Differences
First Steps Kent is convening a powerful new collaboration to improve early literacy outcomes for children with developmental differences—those who are on the autism spectrum, blind or have low vision, and deaf or hard of hearing.
Building Inclusive Literacy: A Community Feedback Forum
On February 20, a year's worth of work from the ILA culminated in a large community convening of more than 100 parents and professionals, during which four pilot ideas were presented.
A Community-Led Effort to Build a More Inclusive Literacy System
The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a two-year initiative funded by the Baker Family Foundation and facilitated by First Steps Kent. Through partnership with local organizations, families, and systems leaders, the Alliance is identifying what works, exploring what’s possible, and piloting solutions that improve early literacy access for children with developmental differences in Kent County.
Key focus areas include:
- Elevating family voice and lived experience
- Strengthening cross-sector collaboration
- Expanding access to adaptive technology and inclusive materials
- Improving provider training and system navigation
What We’re Learning Together
Parents and professionals voiced shared experiences of frustration, isolation, and hope. Many families report challenges in accessing services, navigating systems, and finding inclusive literacy opportunities for their children. Despite these barriers, participants emphasized that change is possible—and already underway.
Key themes include:
- A need for stronger cross-system coordination
- Broader access to culturally and developmentally appropriate materials
- More inclusive environments across early learning spaces
Before designing solutions, we committed to listening. We recognized that to move forward effectively, we needed a clearer understanding of parents and caregivers' experiences, the current landscape of services and resources, barriers that prevent families from accessing literacy support, and gaps in training, collaboration, and awareness.
How You Can Get Involved
First Steps Kent is proud to partner with organizations, educators, parents, and professionals who are committed to improving early literacy outcomes for every child in our community. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact us today.