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.

Schools can improve the readiness of young children by making connections with local child care providers and preschools by creating policies that ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten.  Schools must be ready to address the diverse needs of the children and families in their community and be committed to the success of every child. 

 







 


Community Profiles. Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to view.



 


Development of a Comprehensive Community Assessment of School Readiness in Early Childhood Research & Practice. Murphey, D. A., and Burns, C. E.

In press.



 


Improving the Well-Being of Vermont�s Young Children and Their Families: Benchmarks, Accomplishments, and Next Steps (February 2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Early Childhood Steering Committee.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Off to Kindergarten: A Booklet for Parents, Caregivers, and Schools (December 2000). The Transition to School Committee of the Vermont Early Childhood Work Group.

Available early 2003 from the Vermont Department of Education.



 


Outcomes-Based Planning 2002 (2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Report on Vermont's "School Readiness Assessment Initiative": 2000-2001 (2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication.



 


The Social Well-Being of Vermonters(February 2002). Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Human Services.

Click here to download this publication (.pdf format).



 


Vermont Department of Education School Reports.

Click here to view.



 
 

  
 

 


       

© 2005, School Readiness Indicators Initiative
One Union Station Providence, RI 02903 401.351.9400 fax 401.351.1758
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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