Which group is most at risk for literacy delays due to their lack of exposure to reading?

The group most at risk for literacy delays due to their lack of exposure to reading is indeed children with limited preschool experiences. This is because early childhood is a crucial period for developing foundational literacy skills. Children who do not have access to structured reading activities, storytelling, and literacy-rich environments during their preschool years may miss critical opportunities to engage with language, vocabulary development, and phonemic awareness.

Limited preschool experiences can result in fewer exposures to books, less interaction with fluent readers, and fewer opportunities for developing comprehension skills. These children may enter formal schooling with a literacy disadvantage, making it more challenging for them to keep pace with their peers who have had more exposure to reading.

In contrast, children from families with high income often have access to resources that support literacy development, including books, educational activities, and enrichment programs. Children without diagnosed disabilities generally are not considered at a higher risk for literacy delays, as they typically have the opportunity to develop literacy skills at a similar rate as their peers. Furthermore, children currently enrolled in special education programs may receive targeted support tailored to their specific needs, which can alleviate some of the risks associated with literacy delays.