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.

 








KENTUCKY

Statutory Children's Cabinet
The Early Childhood Development Authority
The Early Childhood Development Authority is Kentucky's statutory children's group. The cabinet secretaries from Health Services, Families and Children, Education, Arts and the Humanities, all serve on the Authority along with judge executive, mayor, legislators, higher education, foundations, labor, citizens at large representing the Urban League, United Way of Kentucky, Business, Planning Commission. Kentucky also has a Professional Development Council and an Early Childhood Business Council. However, all of the recommendations must go to the Early Childhood Development Authority for approval.


  
 


       

© 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