Conclusion

Leaders in states, school districts, schools, and communities should act to ensure that early childhood experiences, pre-K, kindergarten, and the early grades, are all part of a set of well-connected steps for children to ascend as they move through their schooling. Multiple, high-intensity transition activities help give children a strong start to the kindergarten year and put families at ease. Aligning and coordinating expectations for children and what and how they are taught and assessed, and connecting educators across PreK–3rd helps to ensure children’s learning is deepened and built upon throughout their early education. Taking advantage of the funding streams available and implementing the actions above will be a big help in creating the seamless educational experience that young students need, one which will also support families.