Kindergarten readiness is achieved when children are prepared in all domains of early learning; and families, schools, and communities collaborate to positively impact educational outcomes.
For children, kindergarten readiness is being prepared in all domains of early learning and development (student wellbeing, language, cognitive, motor, physical health and growth, and approaches toward learning) through appropriate routines and activities.
For families, kindergarten readiness is understanding their child’s level of development, understanding the school environment and expectations, and participating in supportive partnerships with the school.
For schools, kindergarten readiness is meeting each child where they are with aligned standards and curriculums in engaging, predictable environments that welcome and accept unique experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
For communities, kindergarten readiness is valuing the incredible importance of early learning.
To achieve these outcomes, Indiana provides robust, academically enriched early learning experiences for students through a wide range of early childhood programs including developmental preschool, Head Start, licensed childcare centers, licensed family child care homes, public community preschools, Title I preschools, and unlicensed registered ministries. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of Kindergarten Readiness works very closely with the Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning to support young learners through various initiatives including Indiana’s early learning development framework, The Foundations, as well as the ISPROUT assessment tool. IDOE also provides additional support and guidance to schools on topics from preschool expansion to kindergarten transitions and beyond.
Indiana’s Early Learning Standards
Indiana’s Early Learning Standards are a developmental continuum and align to the 2023 Indiana Academic Standards. The standards provide core elements that children should achieve from birth to age five to be ready for future success. The standards set forth common language and expectations for all staff working in early care and education. In 2023 the standards were revised based on research, feedback from practitioners, and work from professionals with expertise in each specialized area, and formally adopted by the State Board of Education.
The Indiana Department of Education’s Early Learning Framework is a resource for educators and other early childhood professionals to support and enhance children’s learning and development while using the standards. The information can be used to support a child’s development at different levels of learning and promotes fluid movement between developmental stages. The Early Learning Framework is coming soon and will be available within the “Collections” page of the Indiana Learning Lab.
Additional Early Learning Standards Tools
- Early Learning Standards Quick Glance Guide: One-page list of the Early Learning Standards
Additional Resources for Educators and Administrators
- Indiana Early Childhood Systems
- Early Childhood Acronyms
- Discussion Guide: Essential Questions about Pre-K
- Early Learning Guidebook
- ISPROUT
- Office of Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education
- For LEAs receiving Title funds: Affirmation of Coordination with Head Start and other early childhood providers
- Non-Regulatory Guidance Early Learning in the Every Student Succeeds Act
- Indiana Title I Preschool FAQ
- Blending and Braiding Funding Streams FAQ
- Early Learning under ESSA
- Kindergarten
- A Roadmap to Modernize Indiana's Early Learning System: 2022 Recommendations of Indiana's Early Learning Advisory Committee
- Indiana’s Early Childhood Education Registered Teacher Apprenticeship