Literacy is the very foundation of all learning and the pathway to liberation for every human being.
Learn more about our pathway to liberation.

Our 2021-22 School Year

Transforming Literacy Instruction

30+ Years of Experience

Sustained Impact

Proven Impact
The American Institutes of Research report on a randomized control trial evaluation of CLI’s i3 Validation project found statistically significant results for our impact on teacher practice and student learning. Our approach and results are now part of the What Works Clearinghouse.

Validated Approach

Powerful Partnerships
Pivoting its 30+ years’ experience while facing the COVID-19 pandemic, CLI provided teacher coaching and training to support schools and early literacy instruction in the virtual world. Shifting from an in-person model, CLI met the unique needs of educators and students as they transitioned to distance learning.

Expanded Reach

Teaching & Coaching Resources
Downloadable Resources
Educators must be equipped with adequate resources and tools to successfully transition to distance learning. The downloadable documents outlined below provide teachers and coaches the roadmap to continue providing impactful instruction.
Literacy Education and Resource Network
LEARN, is a free, go at your own pace website from Children’s Literacy Initiative that provides educators with a comprehensive, expanding, and research-based resource to read about, watch, and discuss the best practices for comprehensive early literacy instruction.
Support Children's Literacy Initiative
LITERACY TO LIBERATION
CLI Announces Jason Reynolds as its Literacy Champion!
Jason Reynolds joins CLI as Literacy Champion to raise awareness and drive donations for Literacy to Liberation Campaign.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
ESSER II & ARP Funds
Learn how you can use ESSER funding to amplify learning recovery
CHANGE STARTS WITH US
We Must End Gun Violence
Schools are to be safe havens for inquiring minds and fertile ground for budding passions. Each time schoolyards become crime scenes from outrageous acts of violence, we fail as a society. The senseless violence must end.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Transitions in Leadership
Children’s Literacy Initiative is no stranger to change. We now find ourselves in a new season of change as we say goodbye to our CEO, Joel Zarrow, on June 3, 2022.

We’ve changed our mission to better reflect our work, purpose, and the children we serve. Learn more today!
Stay Informed!
Sign up for The Read, CLI's quarterly
e-newsletter, for regular updates on our work with students and educators, inspiring stories from Literacy Champions in the communities we serve, and book recommendations to promote early literacy in school and at home.
