Building a brighter, more literate future for all children in Canada is a bold and urgent mission. Since 2017, the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF) has worked to ensure that every child across the country is equipped with the literacy skills they need to reach their full potential.
In April 2024, the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF) published What Would It Take…, a national report outlining what is needed to ensure all children in Canada develop strong pre-literacy skills by age five. The report highlights Strong Start as a leading model of community-driven, research-aligned early literacy support.
Read the report here.
“When we nurture pre-literacy skills, we lay the groundwork for strong foundational literacy. Together, they help children develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of what they are capable of.”
— Loa Zilles, Program Director
Strong Start’s three programs help children build literacy skills step-by-step through joyful, relational learning experiences. By meeting children where they are — with their parent(s)/guardian(s), in the community, and in schools — our programs strengthen the environments in which young children learn and grow. With provincial expansion of Baby Connections, Get Ready for School, and Letters, Sounds and Words, we are committed to complementing the essential work of families, educators, and community partners in nurturing early literacy.
After nearly 25 years serving the community and delivering measurable impact, Strong Start is proud to be featured in a national study highlighting effective, research-aligned approaches to early literacy. This fall, we were delighted to welcome Sommer Wedlock, CEO of the CCLF, and Liz Attisano, Policy and Research Lead, for a tour and in-depth conversation. Their visit offered a meaningful opportunity to share the stories and impact behind our programs and to explore how, together, we can continue building brighter beginnings for children and families in our community.
“Strong Start demonstrates how community-based programs can powerfully advance the goal we all share—ensuring every child in Canada arrives at school with strong early literacy skills. It was inspiring to see how their programs bring research to life by working directly with children and partnering with families, schools, and communities to build strong foundations for lifelong literacy.”
— Sommer Wedlock, CEO of CCLF
Strong Start is proud to be part of a national movement linking community, research, and care to build brighter futures for children across Canada.
