Early literacy experiences from birth through ____ years are the ____ needed for strong literacy skills.

The correct response highlights that early literacy experiences from birth through three years provide the essential foundation for developing strong literacy skills. During this critical period, children's brains are rapidly developing, and they are highly receptive to language, sounds, and patterns that contribute to literacy.

The term "foundation" emphasizes the importance of these early years as the groundwork upon which future literacy skills are built. Engaging children in activities such as reading aloud, singing, and interacting verbally lays the groundwork for vocabulary development, comprehension, and overall literacy competency as they grow older. Focusing on this foundation sets the stage for more complex literacy skills, making it a vital period for nurturing language and literacy development.