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.
Explore these infant/toddler and preschool Teacher Time episodes to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts and skills. Discover the ways art supports the other components.
Discover strategies to support STEAM learning for preschoolers. In each episode, there's an overview of the STEM component and tips for using art to help children explore concepts and skills.
Explore how preschoolers use the scientific method to figure out how the world works. Learn about strategies and teaching practices that help all children explore science concepts.
Teachers know and understand the broad range of content areas and the developmental expectations (i.e., social and emotional, cognitive, expressive and receptive language, motor, adaptive, and English language development) appropriate for young children as outlined by the Head Start Early Learning Framework. Teachers consider what they want children to know, understand, and be able to do using the five essential domains.
For infants and toddlers, school readiness refers to their developing capacity to self-regulate, demonstrate curiosity, communicate effectively, and develop close, secure relationships. Good health and proper nutrition support this developing capacity. This happens within the context of nurturing, culturally responsive relationships with parents, caregivers, extended family, and community.
Learn more about the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) anywhere you go, by downloading this useful mobile app designed for teachers.