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. 

 







National Meeting - Presentation - October 2001

ROSS THOMPSON -- Neurons to Neighborhoods and the Science of Early Childhood Development

ELIZABETH BURKE BRYANT -- Indicators as a Policy Lever

CHRISTINE FERGUSON -- Give Me Something I Can Use (Slides 1-10)

CHRISTINE FERGUSON -- Give Me Something I Can Use (Slides 11-17)

CHRISTINE FERGUSON -- Give Me Something I Can Use (Slides 18-27)

CHRISTINE FERGUSON -- Give Me Something I Can Use (Slides 28-37)

CATHERINE B. WALSH -- Defining the Framework

WORK GROUPS -- Suggested Indicator Topics
       

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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