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.

 







 
Building a Bridge from Birth to School: Improving Developmental and Behavioral Health Services for Young Children (May 2003); The Commonwealth Fund.
 
 
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Infant Mental Health Fact Sheet (May 2003); Zero To Three Policy Center.
 
 
Click here for more information.
 

Significant Changes Proposed for Head Start Reauthorization (Spring 2003); Birth to 5 News; The Ounce of Prevention Fund.

 

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The National Evaluation of Early Head Start: Early Head Start Works (February 2003); Zero To Three Policy Center.
 
 
Click here for more information.
 
Primary Care Services: Promoting Optimal Child Development From Birth to Three Years (September 2002); The Commonwealth Fund.
 
 
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Partnering with Parents to Promote the Healthy Development of Young Children Enrolled in Medicaid (September 2002); The Commonwealth Fund.
 
 
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Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development; The Ounce of Prevention Fund.
 
 
Click here to read this publication.
 
 

       

© 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