A new study published in the International Journal of Educational Research highlights the importance of early childhood education, using data collected right here by First 5 Orange County and our school district partners.
Researchers analyzed information for more than 2,600 children at kindergarten and sixth grade. They found that kindergarten readiness scores, measured by the Early Development Instrument (EDI), were strong predictors of later achievement. Children who started school “at risk” or “vulnerable” were much less likely to meet standards in math and English by sixth grade.
The findings reinforce that early learning builds the foundation for success in school and in life.