During the strategic plan process, Kindergarten readiness continued to be raised as a significant concern by the region's stakeholders.  

Before the pandemic, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE release a report stating that as few 24 % of kindergarteners were ready for school. Regional rates  vary only slightly,  
 
Early early readiness can lead to better grades and lower dropout rates as well as better health and lifestyle habits. By supporting kindergarten readiness, Coalition members  can have an impact on how successful a child is in school and in life. 

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Universal definition

Kindergarten readiness (sometimes called “school readiness”) is a way to describe the things a child should know and be able to do when they start kindergarten. These skills and abilities are related to different areas of child development (sometimes called “domains”),

shared committment

Parents, family members, teachers, physicians, and community members all have an important role in helping young children be ready for school. 

KG. transitions

The transition from preschool to kindergarten is a big deal...elementary schools are bigger, there are more kids, the teacher/student ratio is subsequently very different, and the routines are, well, firmer and less cuddly!  Coalition members  transitions go more smoothly