Does 'early literacy' mean I should teach my child to read at home?

No. Think of developing their skills in talking, listening, reading, and writing like building a house. 'Early literacy' means building a firm foundation rather than erecting walls of formal instruction. It does not necessarily mean children will read before they go to school, although some learn intuitively. In the first several years, parents and care and education providers help children lay a basic foundation of language and literacy skills. They provide early literacy experiences that give children the opportunity to develop their minds and their skills in talking, listening, reading, and writing. They help children develop social and emotional skills important to communicating and sharing stories. They instill the idea that books are friends.