This landmark report explores what children need to begin developing foundational literacy skills by the time they enter kindergarten — and how Canada can build a system that ensures all children are on this path. Created in collaboration with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), What Would It Take… provides leaders across sectors with evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations to prioritize early literacy.
Media
Learn more about what CCLF does and browse our latest news releases and research reports.
Who we are
We are the only national charity focused exclusively on early literacy.
At the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF), we focus on closing the literacy gap, particularly for children in low socio-economic communities and those facing additional challenges with cultural identity, geographic isolation, family dynamics, and physical and mental health conditions.
We work alongside healthcare providers, educators, communities, and government agencies to remove barriers and build pathways to literacy, so every child in Canada can develop strong reading skills.
Through collaboration, advocacy, and evidence-based programs, we are working to ensure every child in Canada has the literacy skills needed to reach their full potential.
Latest news releases
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The Reading Partnership and CCLF announce Teaching our Kids to Read
Project aims to understand and share the needs and experiences of Black families living in urban areas of Canada who want to help their children’s…
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Globe Newswire: The Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation to launch a digital exhibition of children’s pandemic stories
TORONTO, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation is launching an online public gallery featuring stories and art by children from…
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Literacy groups and food banks team up to deliver books and reading resources to thousands of kids hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions
Read On Canada!/Lisons Canada! initiative launches for second year to help stem pandemic-related learning loss and nourish children’s love of reading; all Canadians invited to…
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More than 130,000 books are on the way to children served by food banks across Canada through new Read On Canada! initiative
Coalition of reading advocates formed in response to pandemic puts books in kids’ hands and invites all Canadians to join in the joy of reading…
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The Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation Welcomes Ariel Siller as CEO
Research reports
At CCLF, we support and share research that’s backed by evidence. Check out our latest reports below.
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Policy ReportWhat would it take… for every child in Canada to be learning foundational literacy skills by the age of five?
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Policy SubmissionSubmission to the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2024 Federal Budget
On February 9, 2024, as part of the Government of Canada’s 2024 Pre-Budget Consultation process, we made a written submission on behalf of ourselves and 64 other organizations (available here).
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Policy SubmissionSubmission to the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2023 Federal Budget
On February 10, 2023, as part of the Government of Canada’s 2023 Pre-Budget Consultation process, we made a written submission on behalf of ourselves and 52 other organizations (available here).
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Policy SubmissionSubmission to the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2022 Federal Budget
On Feb. 25, 2022, as part of the Government of Canada’s 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation process, we made a written submission on behalf of ourselves and thirty-nine other organizations (available here).
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SurveyThe Role of Early Literacy in Early Learning and Child Care: A Survey of Early Childhood Educators
In September 2021, the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (CCLF) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) partnered on a national survey of early childhood educators (ECEs) to better understand the current role of early literacy and learning in child care settings in Canada, and to identify gaps and opportunities that may exist.
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Policy SubmissionSubmission to the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2021 Federal Budget
On Feb. 19, as part of the Government of Canada’s 2021 Pre-Budget Consultation process, we made a written submission on behalf of ourselves and twenty-eight other organizations (available here). In this submission, we support the development of a high-quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare system in Canada. In order to enable its success, we recommend that improved children’s literacy be articulated as one of the goals of this system.
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Policy ReportAn Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada
Prepared by Deloitte Canada for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada paints a compelling picture of why investing in early literacy is the cornerstone of children’s health, education, future employment and income, and why it is critical for the future of Canada.
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Research and PolicyEarly Literacy Matters Roundtables 2020
To help address obstacles and strengthen our collective impact on early literacy, we hosted a roundtable series in early 2020 that attracted 100 attendees from 59 different organizations. In this report, you will read about what we heard from them: potential pathways to success, common challenges and how national, coordinated efforts can help advance early literacy efforts.