Melissa Donovan
A new national survey reveals a troubling trend in early education: many of the nation’s youngest students are falling behind in reading, and educators fear the consequences could be long-lasting, not just academically but also for their health.
Commissioned by Nemours Children’s Health and conducted by The Harris Poll, the survey polled over 300 certified K–3 teachers across the United States. The findings paint a clear picture: educators recognize early literacy as a growing crisis, yet feel under-equipped to address it effectively.
“Investing in early childhood education, particularly in literacy, is one of the most effective strategies to improve long-term health outcomes,” Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at Nemours Children’s Health said in a press release. “These survey results show just how urgently educators need effective tools so every child can build strong reading skills and a strong foundation for lifelong health.”
Alarming Gaps in Literacy Skills and Classroom Resources
Among the key findings:
84% of teachers expressed concern over the reading abilities of incoming students.
On average, only half of students are reading at grade level when they enter early elementary classrooms.
Despite recognizing the problem, many educators feel limited by the tools at their disposal:
Just 26% reported high satisfaction with their current literacy resources.
More experienced teachers—those with 10 or more years in the classroom—were especially dissatisfied, with only 19% reporting contentment compared to 6% of less experienced teachers.
Over 90% of educators support multi-sensory and screen-free learning methods.
41% noted a lack of engaging content in available literacy programs.
Limited Capacity for Personalized Instruction
Research supports the effectiveness of small-group and one-on-one instruction for struggling readers, but many teachers say they cannot consistently provide this level of support:
Only 55% can implement small-group instruction.
Daily time spent on personalized support averages 30 minutes or less.
These limitations highlight a significant barrier to closing the literacy gap and emphasize the need for expanded access to research-based interventions.
Literacy as a Public Health Priority
Experts stress that reading challenges are not confined to academic setbacks—they also correlate with long-term health risks. With 90% of brain development occurring before age 5, early literacy is viewed as a foundation for cognitive and emotional well-being. Children who are not proficient readers by first grade face a steep uphill battle, with just a 10% chance of catching up by fourth grade.
The broader landscape also raises concern. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading scores for U.S. students are at their lowest in more than 30 years. Only 60% of fourth graders and 67% of eighth graders are performing at basic or better levels.
Reading BrightStart!: A Proven, Research-Based Approach
To help fill the gap, Nemours Children’s Health has expanded its Reading BrightStart! initiative—a comprehensive literacy program designed for children from infancy through first grade. Key components include:
A multi-sensory, screen-free curriculum.
Professional development and training for educators.
A family-oriented literacy website, including a preschool reading screener.
Since its inception two decades ago, the program has made a measurable impact:
Reached over 295,000 children.
Trained more than 5,260 early childhood educators.
Implemented in 38 states.
In studies involving 3,300 children, two-thirds achieved reading level parity with peers after using the program.
“At Nemours Children’s, we’re committed to Whole Child Health—our vision to go beyond offering the best in medical care to help every child reach their full potential,” said Allison Gertel-Rosenberg, Vice President and Chief Policy and Prevention Officer at Nemours Children’s Health. “This survey shows that educators recognize the urgent need for stronger literacy support, but it will take commitment from school boards, policymakers, and communities to get it right. Investing in early literacy isn’t just about better education—it’s about better health for generations to come.”
For more information about the Reading BrightStart! program or to explore literacy tools for families and educators, visit https://www.readingbrightstart.org.
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