The Colorado Department of Education

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School Readiness

Colorado State Board of Education Adopted Definition of School Readiness


School readiness describes both the preparedness of a child to engage in and benefit from learning experiences, and the ability of a school to meet the needs of all students enrolled in publicly funded preschool or kindergarten. School readiness is enhanced when schools, families, and community service providers work collaboratively to ensure that every child is ready for higher levels of learning in academic content.

Ready Child, Ready School

In the early years of each child's life, every experience, every day creates the foundation for success in school and beyond. Colorado demonstrated its commitment to school readiness and success for all children through the passage of Senate Bill 08-212, Colorado’s Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K). The goal of CAP4K is to align Colorado’s preschool through postsecondary education system. The act included provisions related to school readiness for both the State Board of Education and local education providers.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to providing supports and services that increase the chances of success for all children through resources for kindergarten, information about requirements, and support for implementing school readiness plans and assessment practices.

News:

  • Applications for funds for school readiness assessments for the 2013-2014 school year are due on May 31st. Click  here for more information.

    Information About School Readiness:

    • Read  a fact sheet about the Colorado school readiness initiative (PDF).

    • Find answers to frequently asked questions (PDF)

    • Attend a regional meeting to learn more about Colorado school readiness initiative.

    • Listen to a recorded school readiness information webinar.  The webinar contains information from the Spring 2013 school readiness meetings.

    Funding for School Readiness Assessment:

    • Learn more about grant funding to support district purchase of school readiness assessments.

    • Apply for school readiness assessment funds RFA.

    • Read about Colorado's Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Fund (PDF).

    Teaching Strategies GOLD:

    • Listen to a webinar about Teaching Strategies GOLD for kindergarten.

    • Attend a Teaching Strategies GOLD training

    School Readiness Assessments and Plans:

    • Learn more about school readiness plans.

    • Read a draft school readiness assessment guidance document (PDF).

    • Provide feedback on draft school readiness assessment document (PDF).