Supporting Parents to be Their Child’s First and Most Important Teacher
The Little by Little Program is an evidence-based early literacy program for young children (ages 0-5) from families engaged in the WIC program. By providing free, high-quality books and parental support and instruction, our children’s literacy program fosters early literacy skills, improves school readiness, and helps children prepare basic literacy skills to succeed in school and in life.
How the Little by Little Program Works
The Little by Little Program is offered to children and families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC.
When families visit their local WIC center, they receive their choice of new, age-appropriate children’s books, handouts for parents, and guidance on the importance of starting and maintaining consistent reading practices at home. The Little by Little Program is a much-needed early literacy program for kids receiving WIC, who may have limited access to books or other literacy resources.
The Little by Little Program is made possible through grants and charitable donations from a variety of partners and funders. Our network of partners and donors is key to the program’s ongoing success.
The Consequences of Low Literacy Are Alarming
The consequences of low literacy can be profoundly challenging and can impact a child’s success in school and in life. This challenge is particularly true for children from families and communities facing barriers to progress and with fewer literacy resources available.
of families with lower incomes have no children’s books in their homes.
of children arrive at kindergarten without the skills necessary for lifelong learning.
of children from communities that are facing barriers to progress enter first grade up to two years behind their peers.
of America’s fourth graders read below proficiency level, and 82% of those children are from families with fewer resources available.
How Early Literacy Programs Can Help Close the Gap
Early literacy programs can help young children become more prepared for school and lifelong success by providing important early literacy practices, guidance, and resources during the most critical time of children’s brain development—ages 0-3.
Get Involved
Our communities are stronger when we give everyone the resources they need to thrive. Programs like the Little by Little Program address social and economic inequities and set our future leaders up for success. Join us in helping to create equal access to opportunities for all children!
Start a Little by Little Program in Your Community
Bringing the Little by Little School Readiness Program to your neighborhood is an important step in building more supportive communities. Our team of experts are available to answer questions and provide detailed information on how to get started. Please visit our Start a Program page to learn more about what it takes to become a Little by Little Program provider.
Get in Touch With Our Team
Our team of early literacy experts are available to answer your questions about the Little by Little School Readiness Program, and the importance of fostering early literacy skills and practices. Visit our Contact Us page to ask us a question or request more information.
Donate to the Little by Little School Readiness Program
When you donate to the Little by Little Literacy Program for kids, you're helping families engage in strong literacy habits, ensuring that children enter school with better literacy, reading and language skills, and preparing them for academic and lifelong success. Your donation, of any size, will have a tremendous impact and help close the early literacy gap for young children at the most critical time in their development.
“My family and I LOVE the Little by Little program! It helps my daughter learn every day. She is only two years old and already knows all her colors thanks to the books we have collected. We are also grateful that there are bilingual book options to choose from so that she can learn in two languages. This is a great program, and I’m sure it is encouraging other families to continue reading to their children and learning together to create a brighter future.”
“Every time I come to my WIC appointment my child receives a book. Since receiving the books, I have noticed that my three-year-old is less interested in electronic devices and instead likes to carry her books everywhere we go. My newborn baby is already showing interest in books as well because we share story time every night before bed.”
“What I value most about the Little by Little Program services we provide is that parents learn the importance of incorporating reading into their everyday lives. Parents LOVE the Little by Little Program. Every time parents come with their children for their WIC appointment, the little ones look forward to getting a new book. I am confident that the information we share with the parents about early literacy will translate to optimal learning and bright futures for their children.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Join us in our mission to support young children who benefit from access to early literacy resources. Learn more below about some key Little by Little Program facts.
How is the Little by Little Program Funded?
The Little by Little Program is funded through grants and donations from a variety of individuals and organizations. Click here to find out more about our current funders and partners. Visit our Donate page to learn how you can support the Little by Little Program and young children’s early literacy development.
How much does the Little by Little Program Cost?
In Los Angeles County, the Little by Little Program costs, on average, $52 annually per child. Children enrolled in the program receive up to four high-quality educational books each year, which they get to keep as they build their own home library. Parents also receive age-appropriate handouts during each Little by Little Program visit that provide important information on their child’s developmental milestones.
Where is the Little by Little Program Located?
The Little by Little Program is currently located at ten WIC centers across Los Angeles County and five WIC centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Visit our Program Locations page for more information about where we offer the Little by Little School Readiness Program.
Visit the FAQ page for more information about the Little by Little School Readiness Program.
Help us engage 72,000+ children and families each year in home literary efforts.
Pledge your support by making a donation to the program today.