Literacy, how is it important to children and young people??

I am a preschool teacher in Ohio. We focus most of our energies into teaching children beginning literacy concepts at an early age. If children don't know how to read when they begin school, how will they be able to learn any other subjects. This is why children who are behind in reading and writing will often fall behind in other areas even if they are gifted in another area. It is the basis of eveything we do in our lives. Can you imagine what it would be like not knowing how to read? And you must begin to plant the seed at an early age. Even reading to your child is a very big step. They will begin to learn the concepts of print which is one early essment you can do with young children.