At First 5 Santa Barbara County, school readiness means making sure that all young children enter school physically, and emotionally healthy and ready to succeed. It also means making sure that parents and early care and education providers (such as preschools, child care centers and family child care providers) are prepared to help children succeed as they enter elementary school. And it means that elementary schools are prepared for children as they enter school and are aware of their unique needs and experiences.

The National Education Goals Panel defines School Readiness as Children Ready for School, Schools Ready for Children, and Family and Community support and services that foster success.

First 5 Santa Barbara County has made significant investments through a number of School Readiness strategies to ensure that children are successful in school. We take a community approach, knowing that the only way that children can succeed is with the support of their parents, teachers and their communities.