It's estimated that more than 50% of children in Arkansas between ages three and five are not ready to enter kindergarten.

According to the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health, that number is 13% lower than the national average. The nonprofit Save the Children is working with Arkansas families to improve those numbers, through its Kindergarten Readiness Home Visiting Program.

The organization’s Lead Associate for Kindergarten Readiness in Arkansas, Jessica Angel, said they work one-on-one with families and in group meetings.

"Parents and children can come together for group learning activities," said Angel, "and these gatherings help both our parents and kids connect and forge those relationships with their peers, promoting interactions that help children develop social, emotional and cognitive skills."

She said low-income kids tend to lag far behind their wealthier counterparts. During home visits, children are given age-appropriate books and families are encouraged to establish a daily reading routine.

Coordinators also check for developmental issues and connect families with resources, if needed.

Research shows 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they are six years old. The program works with families from birth until the child enters school.

Save the Children's Senior Advisor for Kindergarten Readiness Tracie Kenney said kids in rural areas face additional obstacles.

"Little or no access to transportation and resources, such as libraries and books – that can really hold rural children back," said Kenney. "Also, geographic isolation and limited engagement with their peers, which is really important by the time you get to school."

Angel said they have proof the program is successful. During the last school year, children who participated in Kindergarten Readiness met or exceeded national averages.

"With that support of the program 77% of the participating Arkansas 3-year-olds, and 72% of the participating 5-year-olds, were at or above the normal range on a nationally recognized language test," said Angel. "So, we are really boots on the ground."

Source: Public News Service