School Readiness

New Directions Early Head Start is committed to helping every child build the skills, confidence, and relationships needed for lifelong learning. School readiness begins at birth and is supported through nurturing relationships, engaging learning experiences, and strong partnerships with families.

The Head Start Approach to School Readiness

According to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) , school readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready to support every child.

Head Start promotes children’s physical, cognitive, language, social-emotional, and approaches-to-learning development through meaningful experiences that prepare them for preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.

Building School Readiness

Improving school readiness for infants and toddlers means providing a secure foundation for development across all learning domains. Responsive relationships with caring adults help children build confidence, curiosity, communication skills, and a love of learning.

Research on early brain development demonstrates that nurturing interactions and secure attachments during the first three years of life play a critical role in children’s future learning and success.

Family Resources

Families play the most important role in preparing children for lifelong learning. Explore additional resources to learn how you can support your child’s school readiness and review the goals that guide our program.

Your Role in School Readiness