This training manual was designed to provide information and support to Head Start teachers, staff, and parents in the area of emergent literacy. The first section, "What is Emergent Literacy and Why Should We Do It?" addresses the concept of emergent literacy, identifying six key elements: (1) learning to read and write begins very early in life; (2) reading and writing develop concurrently and interrelatedly in young children; (3) literacy develops from real life situations; (4) children learn literacy through active engagement; (5) being read to plays a special role in literacy development; and (6) learning to read and write is a developmental process. This section further discusses why emergent literacy should be part of an early childhood program. The next three sections are training modules. The first module, "Working with Families," emphasizes helping parents/families design a home literacy environment, respond to children's literacy behavior, and become comfortable with their own literacy development. The second module, "Classroom Environment and Practices," helps Head Start teachers prepare classrooms to support emergent readers and writers, select materials, and integrate literacy into all the activities. The final module, "Supporting Emergent Literacy Practices at the Local Level," assists Head Start staff and parents in conducting their own workshops. (AA)