Raising Readers members include the library, hospital, healthcare clinics, human services, early care and education providers, schools, university, businesses, service groups, and individuals. Outreach: Members help connect to all families, including hard-to-reach families. Shared responsibility: Member organizations help achieve Raising Reader goals, carry out their own early literacy initiatives, and utilize Raising Reader resources in their programs. Shared vision: We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach their potential in language, literacy and learning. We are committed to help our next generation become even better readers, communicators, and learners. Every young child develops early language and literacy skills that are the foundation for talking, listening, reading and writing. Starting at birth, each child experiences environments that help him or her grow toward full potential in these areas. Children come to school ready to continue “learning to read.” Schools ensure children continue to make progress in “reading to learn.” Children thrive, with quality care and education in their homes and at every level of schooling. Parents want the best for their children and are their children’s first teachers. They provide caring, stimulating environments that nurture the language, literacy, and emotional development of their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Childcare and preschool providers also promote early language and literacy in their settings. Our communities are outstanding places in which to raise children. The responsibility for giving children the best possible start in early language and literacy is shared by parents, educators and the community. Early literacy information, resources, and support are readily available. Age-appropriate books are provided to all children.