This web-based resource is being developed by the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network to help provide answers to questions about children's language and literacy – answers that are based on relevant and up-to-date research presented in an easily accessible format.

Early learning childcare practitioners, teachers, and policymakers work together to support children's growth and learning. They can all draw on the Encyclopedia for reliable, evidence-based information to support their daily practices.

The Encyclopedia of Language and Literacy Development aims to cover a wide range of topics, including language, reading, and writing development. In order to provide in-depth, quality information, each topic is broken down into several Encyclopedia entries, and each entry focuses on a specific aspect of the topic. Most importantly, the entries are written by internationally recognized experts in the field.

The Encyclopedia strives to provide balanced information and commentary. In an effort to do so, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners have written commentaries on each group of entries. These commentaries address key questions raised in the entries by presenting theories or approaches different from, or even opposed to, those presented by the principal authors. Commentaries written by policymakers and practitioners discuss the implications of the research findings for their work, attempt to identify the main gaps between research, practice and policy and discuss how these gaps might be overcome.

Launched in 2007, the Encyclopedia of Language and Literacy Development is still in its early stages. As more research is conducted and our understanding of language and literacy expands and changes, the Encyclopedia will expand and change accordingly. Please visit often, as new entries and commentaries are currently under development and will be added as they become available.