There is a growing awareness today of the critical impact of the preschool years on a child's later academic success. Some studies indicate that many children today are less well prepared for school than were children beginning school 5 years ago. This publication examines what is known about school readiness; discusses the reasons why some…

Designed to guide preschool reform efforts and stimulate widespread interest and involvement, this publication calls for statewide, systemic reform to provide a continuum of community-based, family-centered, prevention-oriented services to children and their families. The publication begins by identifying the factors that enhance school readiness.…