Noting that the transition to school is one of the major challenges children face in early childhood, this study examined the perceptions of Australian parents, teachers, and children in various phases of school attendance regarding what was involved in children starting school. Data were collected by means of questionnaires given to teachers…

This report of the Select Committee on California Children's School Readiness and Health, established in 2001, examines the relationship between the status of a child's health and its impact on school readiness and achievement. The report is intended to promote and facilitate continued dialogue, exploration, and research on student health and…

This report is based on a forum on the topic of universal access to prekindergarten programs, "Toward a New Education Framework: Expanding the Boundaries To Include UPK," held in December 2000 with 30 education leaders from Connecticut, New York, South Carolina, and Vermont. The goal of the forum was to provide an opportunity for school…

Understanding the condition of children as they enter school can provide clues to help parents and teachers understand children's performance later in their school career. This information can also provide teachers with essential guidance for individualizing the curriculum to help children learn more effectively. Finally, assessment of the…

Many communities across the country have set for themselves the goal of enhancing school readiness. But what does school readiness mean, and how do communities know whether they have achieved it? This research brief is intended to help communities invest wisely in school readiness initiatives. It begins by summarizing recommendations from the…

"Educating the Human Brain" is the product of a quarter century of research. This book provides an empirical account of the early development of attention and self regulation in infants and young children. It examines the brain areas involved in regulatory networks, their connectivity, and how their development is influenced by genes and…

Many Americans assume children's publicly funded education begins with kindergarten. To the contrary, kindergarten is not mandated in all states. Moreover, most kindergarten programs implemented in the public education system are half-day; full-day kindergarten is far less frequent. Access to kindergarten is highly dependent on state, school…

This study examined the views of 176 kindergarten teachers regarding those skills children need to be successful in kindergarten. Teachers ranked 149 skills within 5 domains: gross motor, fine motor, general knowledge and school readiness, language, and social. Findings indicated that items related to academic readiness were not seen as critical…

Describes On Board Early, a Baltimore program designed to increase family-school experiences that support children's success. Discusses such program features as specialized family involvement staff, a parents-as-teachers program, a family-centered approach to supporting the transition to school, and planning for long-term family involvement.…

Presents concerns over the "Early Years Study" (McCain & Mustard). Focuses on diversity issues related to the readiness measure used, parenting styles, and the importance of first language development. Questions the report's definition of "developmentally-attuned." Concludes by expressing hope that the Early Years Study…

This paper examines school readiness practices, some of the assumptions behind the school readiness controversy, the efficacy research on these programs, legal issues related to school readiness practices, and how school readiness practices interfere with early intervention and the inclusion of all children in the schools. (Author/DB)

Examines the changes and challenges accompanying increased attention to early childhood education during the past several years. Interest has been piqued by the first national educational goal (readiness), big business concerns, and professionals' reexamination of the field. The authors in this special "Kappan" section examine issues…

Although families and early experiences have changed markedly, teacher roles have not. Traditional classroom management approaches are ineffective with children raised with little attention to timeliness, spatial rules, and property rights. Teachers must understand differences in value structures to motivate students and help them respond…

Proposes steps to address the broad developmental needs of children at risk. Discusses implementation of the President and Governors' Education Summit national performance goals to reform the schools and improve education, especially the goal involving readiness to start school. (BB)

Examined relationship between family literacy practices and mothers' beliefs about early reading instruction, and children's emergent literacy skills. Identified mothers with 'whole language' theories and mothers with phonics orientations. Found that mothers' implicit theories were associated with their modeling of literacy behaviors, helping…