This month, we’re looking at research about the importance of kindergarten readiness in our communities.

Life success begins long before a child enters a classroom. From birth to age five, early experiences shape learning, well-being and long-term opportunity. Across the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, kindergarten readiness is recognized as a powerful indicator of whether children have the support they need to thrive.

National research underscores the importance of getting the early years right. By fourth grade, the impact of early experiences is clear, with recent NAEP results showing uneven progress, particularly in reading. Consistent evidence links kindergarten readiness to later academic success, making early learning a shared cradle-to-career outcome across the Network. Explore the research to learn how a strong start benefits children, families and communities.

Communities are already demonstrating what’s possible when local partnerships lead. In 2025, Wisconsin and Connecticut secured historic early childhood investments by aligning community voice, data and strategy to influence statewide policy. These efforts expanded access, strengthened the early educator workforce and built durable systems for long-term impact. Read the case study to see how place-based partnerships drove meaningful kindergarten readiness gains.

To support communities in taking action, StriveTogether offers practical tools grounded in evidence. The StriveTogether Cradle-to-Career Outcomes Playbook: Kindergarten Readiness provides clear guidance on effective strategies, meaningful measures and system alignment across the early years — from prenatal health to quality early learning. Explore the playbook to learn more about improving early childhood outcomes.

You can also join the conversation to learn directly from network members advancing this work. In an upcoming live Q&A, Marin Promise Partnership will share how their community is moving the needle on kindergarten readiness in Marin County. Submit your questions and tune in to gain insights that can inform your own local strategies. Check out the live Q&A event to learn more.

We encourage you to dive deeper into this research and explore these tools to better understand how we can improve kindergarten readiness in our community together.