The National Early Literacy Panel was convened in 2002 to conduct a synthesis of the most rigorous scientific research available on the development of early literacy skills in children from birth to age 5. The primary purpose of the panel was to identify research evidence that would contribute to decisions in educational policy and practice that could help early childhood providers better support young children's language and literacy development. The panel's work represents a major contribution to the early literacy knowledge base and a significant step in helping early childhood educators understand what the research says about the early literacy skills that are essential for future success in reading. Through an extensive review of the research literature, the panel identified studies with the strongest findings and synthesized this data using rigorous analytical techniques to answer important questions about the relationship between early skill development and later literacy achievement, and the impact of instructional interventions on children's learning. In January 2009, the panel released its final report. This report provides detailed information about the National Early Literacy Panel, its charge, the methodology and analytical approach used to conduct the synthesis, and, most important, the research findings and implications for improving early education. This first booklet in the series is intended as a guide to help early childhood administrators, supervisors, and professional development staff provide teachers with the support and training needed to increase their knowledge base and refine current literacy practice. ["Early Beginnings" is based on the research findings from the 2009 publication, "Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel".]