The Office of Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life.

ACES Early Head Start Partnership developed nine school readiness goals to align with the five essential developmental domains established by the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.

I. Social and Emotional Development

  1. Our infants and toddlers will begin to develop the ability to express and manage emotions in appropriate ways.
  2. Our infants and toddlers will begin to develop and engage in positive relationships and interactions with adults and peers.

II. Approaches Toward Learning

  1. Our infants and toddlers will begin to demonstrate interest, curiosity, persistence and eagerness in exploring the world around them.

III. Cognition and General Knowledge

  1. Our infants and toddlers will learn and begin to use math concepts during daily routines and experiences.
  2. Our infants and toddlers will begin to use all of their senses to process and explore their environment and demonstrate the ability to remember and connect new and known experiences in their environment.

IV. Language & Literacy Development

  1. Our infant and toddlers will begin to demonstrate receptive and expressive language skills and communication strategies in their home language(s).
  2. Our infants and toddlers will begin to learn and demonstrate how print works, and engage with stories and books.

V. Physical Well-Being and Motor Development

  1. Our infants and toddlers will begin to develop and strengthen control over large and small muscles.
  2. Our infants and toddlers will begin to develop age appropriate self-help skills.