Every child, except in the most sev

Every child, except in the most severe instances of abuse,
neglect, or disability, enters school ready to learn school
content. However, all children do not acquire the competence
needed in the school setting. The absence of basic health
care and economic security places many children at risk for
academic failure before they enter school. Families who lack
emotional resources and support are likewise not always able
to prepare their children to meet school expectations.
It is a public responsibility to ensure that all families have
access to the services and support needed to provide the
strong relationships and rich experiences that provide
children with a foundation for all future learning. At a
minimum such services include basic health care, including
prenatal care and childhood immunizations; economic
security; basic nutrition; adequate housing; family support
services; and high-quality early childhood programs.
Supporting families’ childrearing efforts is critically
important for ensuring that more young children enter school
ready to succeed. But, such efforts address only half of the
problem. Attention must also be given to ensuring that the
expectations used to determine readiness are legitimate and
reasonable.