Our early learning program provides essential training, tools and targets to parents in their role as their child's first and most influential teacher. What can communities do about incoming kindergarten skill levels? They can support and implement a READY! for Kindergarten program in their school districts and communities. As we know, schools face a broad range of skills among students when they start school. Studies show that close to 40% of children enter kindergarten with language and math skills typical of two, three and four year olds. They are already one to three years behind target on their first day of kindergarten. It is extremely difficult for children to catch up once they are behind. Research suggests that public schools do not actually create the gap. They merely maintain it. For most children, the gap in measurable pre-reading and pre-math skills occurs prior to kindergarten. It occurs in their homes. The READY! for Kindergarten program supports parents and caregivers so they know how to prepare children for school right at home, and they enjoy it and foster a close bond at the same time. All it takes is three 90-minute interactive classes per year (fall, winter and spring) to train parents to use age appropriate materials and activities with their child. Contact us today for more information on our research- and evidence-based READY! for Kindergarten program.