Increased Infant and Toddler Support Can Increase School Readiness

Phi Delta Kappan — November 2010

More and earlier intervention can help infants and toddlers be ready for success in school. That's the message that J. Ronald Lally, Co-Director for the Center for Child and Family Studies, at WestEd, delivers in the recent edition of Phi Delta Kappan.

Many of the skills children need to succeed in school are shaped during a baby's early interactions with his or her caregivers. Unfortunately, the level of support and resources provided for new mothers and their infants in the United States is very low.

New regulations and policies, in addition to increased access to health care, can improve our children's chances of succeeding in school.