This brief provides context about North Carolina’s literacy approach; summarizes the developmental trajectory of pre-reading skills from birth through age 5 and highlights age-aligned evidence-based practices to support the development of these skills that build upon guidance provided in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development (FELDS)5 updated last in 2013; provides practice recommendations, including a focus on dual language learners and children with disabilities; and presents policy recommendations so that all children can be adequately prepared to learn to read once they enter elementary school.