Literacy begins at birth and continues throughout adulthood. Literacy encompasses all modes of language: reading writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. All six modes will be instrumental in the practices of The Teachers College Literacy Center. Literacy develops through engagement and discussion; that is, meaning is paramount.

Strategic Focus

The Teachers College Literacy Center's vision is “All Kansans Can Read” and its mission is to “serve Kansans with support in literacy from birth through adulthood."

During 2018-19 the Board of Directors for the center recommended that the focus should be on families with children under 5 years old. The rationale for this primary focus is that birth to five are the most impressionable years and preparing young children to be kindergarten ready has the best return on investment.

The strategies used to address this focus includes encouraging the establishment of Early Literacy Committees at the county level, full funding for every zip code in Kansas, local public libraries supporting 1000 Books B4 Kindergarten, collaboration between daycares, preschools (public and private), professional learning for childcare providers and preschool teachers, and resources for parents.