This course provides an in-depth study of the literacy and language development of the young child. The component of a literacy and language-rich environment that is culturally and individually sensitive will be explored. Topics covered will include literacy and language arts; developmental characteristics and needs according to the child's stage; special needs of the individual child and the ESOL developing child; pre-reading and reading skills; methods and techniques of lesson presentations; diverse language and literacy materials and activities; partnerships with families and communities to support literacy development, and trends in literacy. This course contains a service learning experience option and requires a minimum of six hours of fieldwork.