Reading and Books at Daycare 2026

Books and reading are at the heart of quality early childhood education. Understanding how programs incorporate reading helps you evaluate their approach to literacy development.

Reading at daycare

Why Reading Matters

Foundation for Literacy

Early reading builds:

Vocabulary
Comprehension
Phonemic awareness
Print concepts
Love of reading

Brain Development

Reading supports:

Neural connections
Language processing
Memory development
Attention skills
Imagination

Beyond Literacy

Books also teach:

Social-emotional skills
World knowledge
Empathy
Problem-solving
Cultural awareness

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Reading in Quality Programs

Daily Read-Alouds

Should happen:

Multiple times daily
Various group sizes
Interactive approach
Variety of books
Repeated favorites

How Teachers Read

Quality read-alouds include:

Expression and engagement
Questions and discussion
Connections to children
Vocabulary explanation
Joy and enthusiasm

Book Access

Beyond read-alouds:

Books always accessible
Cozy reading area
Children can choose
Book handling taught
Reading valued

The Book Corner

Quality Setup

Should include:

Comfortable seating
Good lighting
Books displayed attractively
Variety of books
Inviting atmosphere

Book Selection

Should have:

Age-appropriate choices
Variety of topics
Diverse representation
High-quality literature
Enough for selection

Rotation

Books should:

Be rotated regularly
Connect to curriculum
Reflect children's interests
Include favorites
Stay fresh

Interactive Reading

During Read-Alouds

Teachers should:

Ask open questions
Invite predictions
Discuss illustrations
Connect to experiences
Build vocabulary

Child Participation

Encourage:

Questions
Comments
Pointing
Repeating phrases
Acting out

Repeated Reading

Benefits of rereading:

Deeper comprehension
Vocabulary reinforcement
Prediction practice
Comfort and joy
Memory building

Types of Books

Fiction

Stories that:

Have characters and plot
Teach through narrative
Build imagination
Develop comprehension
Create connection

Non-Fiction

Informational books:

Real-world knowledge
Scientific concepts
Expand vocabulary
Satisfy curiosity
Build background knowledge

Wordless Books

Pictures only:

Child creates narrative
Language production
Creativity
Story structure
Visual literacy

Predictable Books

Repetition and pattern:

Build confidence
Reading-like behavior
Pattern recognition
Participation
Memory support

Age-Appropriate Reading

Infants

Reading looks like:

Board books
Short sessions
Pointing and naming
Cozy time together
Simple images

Toddlers

Expanding to:

Longer books
Interactive participation
Favorite books repeated
Action books
Simple stories

Preschoolers

Including:

Complex stories
Chapter books begun
Non-fiction
Discussion
Longer attention

Quality Indicators

What to Look For

Good programs:

Read multiple times daily
Have rich book collections
Display books attractively
Make reading interactive
Value and enjoy books

Questions to Ask

Ask about:

How often do you read to children?
What's in your book collection?
How do you make reading interactive?
Do children have access to books throughout day?
How do you choose books?

During Tours

Observe:

Book area setup
Book condition and quantity
Reading happening
Children's engagement
Teacher enthusiasm

Diverse Representation

Books Should Include

Representation of:

Various races and ethnicities
Different family structures
Abilities and disabilities
Various cultures
Different experiences

Why It Matters

Diverse books:

Windows and mirrors
All children see themselves
Expand worldviews
Combat stereotypes
Build empathy

Connecting Home and School

Asking About Books

Questions for child:

What book did you read today?
What was it about?
Who was in the story?
Can you tell me more?

Reading at Home

Support by:

Reading daily
Visiting library
Having books accessible
Discussing books
Modeling reading

Book Programs

Some programs offer:

Books to borrow
Book bags
Reading logs
Family reading events
Book recommendations

Key Takeaways

Reading is essential:

Foundation for literacy
Brain development
Love of learning
Knowledge building

Quality programs:

Read multiple times daily
Interactive approach
Rich book collection
Accessible books
Joyful reading

Look for:

Book corner quality
Diverse collection
Daily read-alouds
Teacher enthusiasm
Child engagement

At home:

Read daily
Discuss books
Connect to daycare
Model reading
Enjoy together

Reading in early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong literacy and learning. Quality childcare programs make books and reading central to their approach.

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