DOCUMENT RESUME

This manual describes the Montana Early Literacy Project, its model and components, and its replication in a variety of early childhood settings: special and general education preschools; Head Start classrooms; and specialized childcare centers. Using five components, the model demonstrates how to develop literacy and language skills in young children with and without disabilities. Component One identifies developmentally appropriate thematic units, interventions, and activities that embed literacy and language throughout children's existing routines during the school day. Component Two provides a method to identify early literacy and language needs of individual students and to write Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives that meet those needs. Component Three provides strategies to foster family participation in literacy and language activities, both at home and at school. Component Four addresses means of providing inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive literacy service