Early experiences actually influence brain development, establishing the neural connections that provide the foundation for language, reasoning, problem solving, social skills, behavior and emotional health.

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.






The School Readiness Indicators Initiative worked with 17 states to develop a comprehensive set of school readiness indicators to inform public policy for young children and their families. This initiative was sponsored by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Ford Foundation.


National School Readiness Indicators Initiative Report
The National School Readiness Indicators Initiative released a national report detailing the findings from the work of the three year Initiative. The Executive Summary of the report includes the core indicators selected by the 17 states.

During the final meeting of the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative, the 17 states gathered to share their final set of indicators, challenges and lessons learned.  State Profiles: School Readiness Indicators and Lessons Learned  highlights each states contributions.

Each of the 17 states that participated in the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative created a list of indicators to measure within their state.  View School Readiness Indicators Initiative: Indicator Selection by State for a comparative view of indicators that were selected.

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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