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.

 







 


The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning is a national center focused on strengthening the capacity of Child Care and Head Start to improve the social and emotional outcomes of young children.



 


Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Library
The MCH Library offers a wide variety of electronic resources about maternal and child health, including the MCH Alert, knowledge paths, databases, and other materials by age group (infants and young children, school-age children, adolescents).

 


The Ounce of Prevention Fund

The Ounce of Prevention Fund invests in the healthy development of infants, children, adolescents and families through an innovative cycle of program implementation, research, training, policy analysis and advocacy in order to prevent physical, social and emotional problems later in life.



 
 

       

© 2005, School Readiness Indicators Initiative
One Union Station Providence, RI 02903 401.351.9400 fax 401.351.1758
If you have a question or comment about this website, please contact us.

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