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.

 







FIFTH NATIONAL MEETING RESOURCES

Shonkoff, J. and Phillips, D., editors. (2002).  From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development.  Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.  www.nap.edu.

McCart, L. and Bruner, C. (June 2003).  Child Welfare and School Readiness-Making the Link for Vulnerable Children.  Des Moines, IA:  The State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Center.  www.finebynine.org.

Health Care and School Readiness: The Health Community's Role in Supporting Child Development. (October 2003).  Des Moines, IA:  The State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Center.  www.finebynine.org.

Bruner, C. (March 2003). School Readiness Policy and Budgeting: Template for Collecting State Baseline Information.  Des Moines, IA: The State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network.  www.finebynine.org.

Hill, T. (February 2003).  Policy Matters: Engaging Youth in Positive and Productive Roles.  Washington, DC:  The Center for the Study of Social Policy.  www.cssp.org.

Lawrence, S. and Rigby, E. (February 2003).  Policy Matters: Improving the Economic Success of Families.  Washington, DC: The Center for the Study of Social Policy.  www.cssp.org.

Kagan, S. and Rigby, E. (February 2003). Policy Matters: Improving the Readiness of Children for School.  Washington, DC:  The Center for the Study of Social Policy.  www.cssp.org.

Anyabwile, T. (October 2003). Policy Matters: Promoting Better Family Health.  Washington, DC:  The Center for the Study of Social Policy.  www.cssp.org.

Brown, C. and Anyabwile, T. (November 2003).  Policy Matters: Raising Educational Achievement.  Washington, DC: The Center for the Study of Social Policy.  www.cssp.org.

 

 
       

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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