Ready to Read: Using the Science of Reading in Pre-K and Kindergarten

Implementing the science of reading in pre-K and kindergarten classrooms can feel overwhelming, leaving many educators with unanswered questions and uncertainty. This book demystifies this critical approach, providing clear guidance and practical strategies tailored to early learners. With chapters contributed by experts in the field and co-written and edited by Latisha Hayes, PhD, this resource equips teachers with the tools and confidence needed to build strong literacy foundations and support every child’s reading journey.

Lead author and editor Latisha Hayes, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she teaches courses on English-language structures and making data-based decisions to inform interventions for students with reading difficulties. She is director of UVA's McGuffey Reading Services and is the author of Playful Activities for Reading Readiness.