In her 1954 poem, Children Learn What They Live, Dorothy Law Nolte tells us that children develop in an environment of relationships.
This fall we had the good fortune to be part of kindergarten registration in eight Shelby County schools. We saw excited children, nervous parents, competent teachers, and curious little brothers and sisters.
Across the country, working families have one thing in common: a need to find safe, affordable, quality care for their children. In 35 states, the cost of childcare now exceeds public college tuition, pricing it beyond the reach of even many middle class families.
Something as natural as a child being ready to thrive in kindergarten is actually the result of a complex set of processes and experiences. In a sense, a kindergarten-ready child is a reflection of a kindergarten-ready family.
Over the past few months, we've had the chance to talk with a number of kindergarten teachers about what it means for a child to be kindergarten-ready.
Prematurity takes a high toll on families, and imposes high costs to society.