Research on the importance of the early childhood years has compelled states to support children's school readiness. This brief provides an overview of states' Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) and school readiness assessments and outlines the following considerations: (1) School Readiness is more than Academics; (2) Align standards in appropriate ways; (3) Carefully consider the common challenges associated with assessing young children; and (4) Readiness depends on supportive families, schools, and communities. Appended are: (1) State Early Learning Guidelines; and (2) State School Readiness Assessment Practices. (Contains 40 endnotes.)