The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57215

Erica Kay Wood, BA and Susan Brutschy, BA. Applied Survey Research, P.O. Box 1927, Watsonville, CA 95077

School Readiness for children ages 0-5 is the main goal of the California First 5 Commission (funded through the California Tobacco Tax). A school readiness assessment pilot initiative was conducted in San Mateo County. Forty-five percent of the children were Latino, 16% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 7% were multi-ethnic. Nearly half of the children did not use English as their primary language and 39% were eligible for free and reduced lunch (a proxy measure for poverty). Children were assessed for physical, social and emotional well-being, including small and large motor development, and whether they were well-rested and well-fed. The survey was conducted by teacher observation using 20 measures of school readiness. Findings showed that children who were eligible for free and reduced meals, did not have English as their primary language, and had no formal preschool experience had lower readiness scores. Now in the study’s second year, the findings will be used to assess how children in schools targeted with new state readiness funding compare to students who do not receive state funding. The findings have also motivated San Mateo County to consider universal pre-school and home visiting programs to improve health and well being for young children.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key findings that contribute to school readiness.
• Provide a school readiness assessment model that may be applied to other communities.
• Describe how assessment may be used as a basis for community change.

Keywords: Child Health, Community Response

Related Web page: www.appliedsurveyresearch.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Penninsula Partnership for Children, Youth and Families; Applied Survey Research
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Applied Survey Research is a non-profit social research firm hired as the local research partner and to conduct the evaluation of the Santa Clara Greenbook Project.