Studies show that educational achievement gaps already exist at Kindergarten entry.  Children from low-income families are more likely to start school with limited language skills, health problems and social and emotional problems that interfere with learning.  The larger the gap at school entry, the harder it is to close.

Language proficiency is a key predictor of school success. Early literacy skills (size of vocabulary, recognizing letters, understanding letter and sound relationships) at kindergarten entry are good predictors of children's reading abilities throughout their educational careers. Language and literacy skills enable children to develop cognitive skills and knowledge and to interact effectively with peers and adults.

 







 


Community Profiles. Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to view.



 


Development of a Comprehensive Community Assessment of School Readiness in Early Childhood Research & Practice. Murphey, D. A., and Burns, C. E.

In press.



 


Improving the Well-Being of Vermont’s Young Children and Their Families: Benchmarks, Accomplishments, and Next Steps (February 2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Early Childhood Steering Committee.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Off to Kindergarten: A Booklet for Parents, Caregivers, and Schools (December 2000). The Transition to School Committee of the Vermont Early Childhood Work Group.

Available early 2003 from the Vermont Department of Education.



 


Outcomes-Based Planning 2002 (2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Report on Vermont's "School Readiness Assessment Initiative": 2000-2001 (2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication.



 


The Social Well-Being of Vermonters(February 2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Vermont Department of Education School Reports.

Click here to view.



 
 

       

© 2005, School Readiness Indicators Initiative
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The School Readiness Indicators Initiative is supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
The 17-state initiative is managed by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT