A new study finds that the gap between rich and poor children in terms of kindergarten readiness has narrowed significantly in recent years. The study, published in the journal "Educational Researcher," found that the percentage of children from low-income families who were considered kindergarten-ready increased from 36% in 2005 to 54% in 2019.
The study's authors say that several factors may have contributed to this narrowing gap, including increased access to high-quality preschool programs, more support for parents of young children, and a greater focus on early childhood education in schools.
"These findings are encouraging and suggest that we are making progress in closing the achievement gap between rich and poor children," said study co-author Hirokazu Yoshikawa, a professor of education at New York University. "However, there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to invest in early childhood education and support for families of young children if we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed in school."
The study found that the gains in kindergarten readiness were particularly pronounced among children from Hispanic and black families. In 2005, only 28% of Hispanic children and 23% of black children were considered kindergarten-ready. By 2019, those numbers had increased to 47% and 44%, respectively.
The study's authors say that these findings are likely due to a number of factors, including increased immigration from countries with strong early childhood education systems, greater awareness of the importance of early childhood education among Hispanic and black families, and increased efforts by schools and community organizations to reach out to these families.
"The narrowing gap in kindergarten readiness is a positive sign, but we cannot afford to become complacent," said study co-author Margaret Burchinal, a professor of child development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "We need to continue to work hard to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early childhood education and the support they need to succeed in school."
