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Essential Questions for Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten Readiness Playbook: Chapter 2

Explainer

Overview

A strong start sets children up for future success. Kindergarten readiness is linked to later outcomes, like third-grade reading, high school graduation, college attendance and earnings. Communities can improve early outcomes through high-quality early learning, engaged caregivers, access to health care, and safe, inclusive schools.

This is part 2 of StriveTogether’s Cradle-to-Career Outcomes Playbook: Kindergarten Readiness. The playbook synthesizes research and practical guidance communities can use to improve kindergarten readiness.
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Kindergarten Success

High-quality, full-day kindergarten programs continue to prepare young learners, giving them the learning experiences they need to stay on their developmental path.

  • 1. Are young learners demonstrating kindergarten readiness across the five learning elements?

  • 2. Do learners have access to high-quality, full-day kindergarten?

High-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten

Full-day pre-kindergarten programs enable caregivers to return to work, thereby supporting the development of young learners and the earning potential of their families.

  • 3. Are high-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten programs available to eligible children?

  • 4. Are eligible children enrolled in high-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten programs?

  • 5. Are pre-kindergarten programs adequately funded to support access for families with limited incomes?

Teaching and Learning

Trained, certified, representative early childhood educators make a big difference in the day-to-day experience of young learners.

  • 6. Do young learners have trained, certified, representative early childhood teachers and leaders?

  • 7. Do young learners have access to quality curricula and instruction?

Positive school environments

Young learners want to attend school consistently when environments are positive and supportive.

  • 8. Do young learners have access to quality pre-kindergarten environments and facilities?

  • 9. Do young learners attend schools with safe, inclusive and supportive environments?

  • 10. Do young learners attend schools that support their social, emotional and physical development and well-being?

  • 11. Are young learners demonstrating consistent attendance?

  • 12. Are there young learners who disproportionately experience exclusionary discipline?

  • 13. Are young learners demonstrating positive behavior?

Early experiences and environments

Kindergarten readiness starts before children are born, with access to quality health care and healthy neighborhoods with adequate resources.

  • 14. Do expecting parents have access to quality prenatal and neonatal care?

  • 15. Do families live in well-resourced neighborhoods?

  • 16. Do families with young children have access to public supports?

  • 17.  Do children aged 0-3 have access to the developmental resources they need?

Playbook Chapters

Kindergarten Readiness Playbook

Supported by the Gates Foundation, this playbook shares research-backed strategies and questions to strengthen kindergarten readiness outcomes.

Download the full playbook
A group of kindergarten students lay on their backs on a rug, reaching up toward the camera and smiling
  1. Introduction to Kindergarten Readiness
  2. Essential Questions for Kindergarten Readiness
  3. The Case for Kindergarten Readiness
  4. About the Kindergarten Readiness Playbook
  5. Kindergarten Success
  6. High-Quality, Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten
  7. Teaching and Learning
  8. Positive School Environments
  9. Early Experiences and Environments
  10. Appendix and Bibliography