School readiness is foundational across early childhood systems and programs. It means children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start views school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness. Managers, teaching staff, caregivers, family advocates, and families can learn more about creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children ages birth to 5.
Children learn best from rich, responsive social interactions with other people. These interactions allow children and adults to share attention and build bonds.Explore the importance of adults’ responsive social interactions with children. Find out how these interactions allow children and adults to share attention and build bonds.
Find out how children learn in social relationships. Explore how strong bonds with responsive, nurturing adults can support children’s social and emotional development.
Learn more about how to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) learning. Find out how STEAM skills help children analyze information, think creatively, and solve problems.
Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) policies and procedures help Head Start programs provide services for families most in need of them. Explore how to address specific challenges, such as family homelessness, that can interfere with consistent service access.
The PFCE Framework identifies key drivers for positive and goal-oriented relationships. Cultural and linguistic responsiveness are important to integrate throughout the system.
Hear from Daryl Greenfield as he talks about the ELOF and how cognition for infants and toddlers develops into scientific reasoning for preschoolers.
Hear from Brenda Jones Harden as she takes a look at how the ELOF relates to the work that home visitors do with parents, families, and their children.
Discover ideas for learning science involving families in children's activities at home and other settings.
Support your program in reviewing how well an assessment instrument assesses children’s skills, behaviors, and knowledge in the ELOF domains.
Learn more about how to plan math activities in the classroom. Also, share these activities with parents to use at home with their children.