Starting kindergarten is a big deal for children and parents, and a lot is at stake when it comes to being ready for school. Far more than choosing a backpack and gathering supplies, “school readiness” includes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Studies show that school readiness is a critical indicator of children’s long-term well-being. This includes their potential to thrive well into adulthood, including college attendance, career trajectory, and saving money for retirement, according to published research. To read the full story.