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SCHOOL READINESS

Based on an extensive body of research on child development, we identified factors influencing children's readiness for school. We started with factors closest to the child and moved outward to encompass the family, early care and education, the neighborhood, and media. This ecological view of child development provides a useful framework for understanding where and how communities can intervene to support and promote healthy child development in general and school readiness in particular. This approach may be especially helpful to communities as they set priorities for investments in school readiness.

In the following tables, we summarize the most effective "investments" for school readiness, based on a literature review Child Trends carried out in 2000.

School Readiness Tables

• Child Health
• Family Factors
• Early Childhood Care and Education
• School Transitional Practices
• Emergent Literacy
• Community/Neighborhood Factors
• Media Effects
• Complete Report (pdf)

School Readiness: Helping Communities Get Children Ready for School and Schools Ready for Children (Research Brief)