School Readiness

Photo of classroom Virginia’s Definition (PDF) of school readiness describes the capabilities of children, families, schools and communities that promote student success in kindergarten and beyond. Each component – children, families, schools and communities – plays an essential role in developing school readiness.

Ready Children are prepared socially, personally, physically and intellectually to meet literacy, mathematics, science, history/social science and developmental standards for four-year-olds described in Virginia's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning (PDF).
Ready Families include parents and other adults who take responsibility for school readiness through direct, frequent and positive involvement with their children and by maintaining stable relationships and environments that promote healthy development and learning.
Ready Schools provide a seamless transition to a learning environment led by skilled teachers and welcome all children with opportunities to enhance and build their skills, knowledge and abilities.
Ready Communities – including businesses, faith-based organizations, early childhood service providers, community groups and local governments – support schools and families through information and access to high-quality child care and other early learning opportunities and services.

Resources

Virginia’s Definition of School Readiness (PDF)
Virginia's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning (PDF)
School Readiness Research Synthesis (PDF) provides early childhood professionals, local early childhood coalitions, kindergarten teachers, elementary principals, and school division leaders with a synopsis of school readiness research that is easily assessable via the Internet.

The following presentations (and presenter’s notes) are suitable for use during school and community meetings to explain school readiness and the components needed to ensure that children are prepared for kindergarten.

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