Children’s kindergarten readiness is tied to numerous long-term outcomes, including third grade proficiency and high school graduation. However, the development of children’s readiness skills is largely dependent on the quality of their early environments. Children thrive when their basic needs are met, they are exposed to enriching early experiences, and the schools they enter are prepared to meet their needs. As a result, the 2023 Santa Clara County School Readiness Assessment (SRA) examined readiness comprehensively, exploring the readiness of children, families, communities, and schools.

The executive summary, full report, and Tableau dashboard illustrates the key findings from the 2023 SRA in which 951 students were assessed on the teacher-administered Kindergarten Observation Form (KOF), and 710 parents/caregivers completed the Parent Information Form (PIF). Readiness skills comprised three Building Blocks – Self-Regulation, Social Expression, and Kindergarten Academics. A fourth area includes two items related to fine and gross motor skills, which serve as a foundation for these Building Blocks.

The sample represents 7% of the 14,602 students enrolled in kindergarten in the county in 2023. It was large enough to produce statistically valid and reliable results and was representative of the county in terms of race/ethnicity but differed from the overall county on other demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. Due to the study’s limitations, generalizations to the larger population cannot be made. However, the study results are informative and helpful to the field. Please note that the information presented in this report describes only those students and families who participated in the assessment.

Full Report Executive Summary Dashboard