Literacy
Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential
The Lastinger Learning Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential prepares birth through pre-kindergarten early child care personnel to identify emergent literacy needs and support overall school readiness.
Learners can complete coursework while implementing classroom strategies in real time while receiving feedback and support from an instructor. This program is provided at no cost for Florida birth through pre-kindergarten early child care personnel.
Micro-Credential Overview
The Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential is a three-part, hybrid model of online modules, instructor-supported online courses, and job-embedded practicum that can be completed in 15 weeks. The courses and activities prepare educators and child care providers to:
- Support student outcomes for school readiness
- Identify literacy difficulties
- Apply evidence-based practices
- Engage in effective progress monitoring and intervention
Eligible Participants
This program is available to birth through pre-kindergarten early child care personnel (public or private) who have not previously earned a Lastinger Literacy Micro-Credential.
- Teachers
- Program directors
- Interventionists
- Instructional coaches
- Head Start personnel
Please note: Learners who have already completed the Emergent, Elementary, or Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential and received a stipend are not eligible to enroll in another Literacy Micro-Credential.
How to Enroll
Applications are closed.
To be notified when applications open and to receive updates about other Lastinger Learning programs, please fill out the Program Interest Form.
Stipend Information
Please visit the Stipends Hub for information about the 2025-26 stipends.
Benefits
- $1,000 completion stipend for eligible early child care personnel and early learning instructional staff
- Build emergent literacy knowledge and skills with high-quality content
- Earn 60 in-service hours/6.0 CEUs
- Supports language and literacy requirements for the CDA professional portfolio
- Satisfies the 40-hour reading requirement for renewal for certified Florida educators if completed after October 21, 2024
Timeline
The Micro-Credential is designed to span 15 weeks of coursework, with a one-week break scheduled separately.
The application window for the spring 2026 term open on December 8, 2025.
Modules
Part 1
Format: Asynchronous, online, instructor-supported course
Length: 20 hours
Learners choose one of the following courses to enroll in:
- Preschool Language Development
Desarrollo del Lenguaje en Niños Preescolares - The Building Blocks of Preschool Literacy
- Language Development for Infants and Toddlers
Learners are concurrently enrolled in a Part 1 and Part 2 course and have a total of 9 weeks to complete both courses.
*Part 1, Desarrollo del Lenguaje en Ninos Preescolares, is the only course that is available in Spanish. All other Part 1 courses, as well as Parts 2 and 3, are in English. All assessments and assignments must be completed in English.
**If a learner has already earned mastery in one of these courses after 2018, they will enroll directly into Part 2.
Part 2
Format: Asynchronous, online course
Length: 20 hours
Learners will work through the following emergency literacy modules:
- Oral Language and Shared Storybook Reading
- Alphabet Knowledge and Print Awareness
- Phonological Awareness
Emergent Reading and Writing
Learners are concurrently enrolled in a Part 1 and Part 2 course and have a total of 9 weeks to complete both courses.
*Learners have the option to test out of Part 2 via a pre-assessment.
Part 3
Format: Asynchronous, online, instructor-supported, job-embedded practicum
Length: 20 hours
Learners will apply the strategies from Parts 1 and 2 real-time in their classrooms while receiving personalized feedback from instructors. The practicum activities are designed to be added to a CDA portfolio.
Weekly assignment submissions are expected for completion of the course.
Expected completion time is up to 5 weeks.
Real Educators See Real Impact
“Since taking the micro-credential, I am feeling more confident to teach my students. I feel better equipped to meet their needs with reading… and knowing how to identify struggles, respond, and plan interventions.”
Connect With Us
Fill out our Program Interest Form to stay up to date on Lastinger Learning course offerings, or contact us to bring Lastinger Learning programs to your district or organization.