This web-based resource was originally developed by the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network (CLLRNet) and was launched in 2007. It is now overseen by the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Western Ontario.

The Encyclopedia of Language and Literacy Development (Encyclopedia) is the first comprehensive, authoritative, archival, science-based, bilingual online resource focussed on children's language and literacy development for the Canadian education sector. The Encyclopedia helps to 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, policymakers, and parents can all draw on the Encyclopedia for reliable, evidence-based information to support their daily practices and to make decisions in the best interests of the children in their care.

The Encyclopedia aims to cover a wide range of topics, including the development of oral language, reading, writing, and numeracy. In order to provide in-depth, quality information, each topic (section) is broken down into several Encyclopedia entries, and each entry (an article about 2,000 words in length) focuses on a specific aspect of the topic. Each topic is coordinated by leading Canadian language and literacy researchers who help to identify authors and review entries. The participation of these section editors has been critical to the project's success to date. These individuals will continue to play an invaluable role in the ongoing growth and expansion of the Encyclopedia.

Moreover, the goal of the Encyclopedia is to bring the best international research on language and literacy development to Canada. Thus, in addition to the many expert Canadian researchers contributing to the Encyclopedia, an increasing number of authors from other countries are involved in this project, sharing resources from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, New Zealand, Germany, Israel, China, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

As more research is conducted and our understanding of language and literacy expands and changes, the Encyclopedia will grow in parallel. Please visit often, as new entries and commentaries are currently under review and will be added as they become available.

The Encyclopedia of Language and Literacy Development is produced by the University of Western Ontario © 2010