School readiness is arriving at school with the knowledge, skills and physical and emotional health needed to successfully participate. School readiness includes having very basic human needs such as food, shelter and loving, nurturing relationships met so that children can focus on learning.

Children develop at different paces, and standards for measuring a child’s readiness for school vary. Experts agree that children are born ready to learn; but, what they learn varies widely as a result of their experiences.

Students with undiagnosed vision, hearing or dental problems may find it difficult to concentrate on classroom activities or homework. The ability of a child to be fully engaged in the classroom is also affected by their social and emotional health, including getting along with others, following instructions and regulating emotions and behaviors. 

Families must have the resources necessary to nurture, teach and provide for their children. This includes parent education programs, services that support economic self-sufficiency and support services for preventing child abuse and neglect.  Failure to provide these supports increase various risk factors that can lead to poor child outcomes.

Finally, participation in quality early education programs has also been proven to affect a child’s readiness for school and success later in life. Evidence indicates that participation is associated with a number of positive outcomes, including a greater likelihood of future academic success, lower unemployment rates, greater earning potential and lower crime rates.