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School Readiness

essay

High-Quality Early Childhood Programs Can Change Lives
The most comprehensive look to date at the benefits of early childhood education found that 102 of 115 programs improved at least one outcome for children beyond a statistical doubt. And the economic and social benefits continue to pay dividends, sometimes well into adulthood.
Jan 3, 2018

commentary

Step Aside, 'Screen Time.' Make Room for 'Screen Purpose.'
Technology is simply another way to communicate, learn, and play. It shouldn't automatically be regarded as a threat. Whether technology helps or harms children largely depends on how it is used.
Nov 17, 2015
essay

Tech for Tots
When it comes to youngsters and technology use, how much is too much? How young is too young? RAND is on the case, to help prepare children for success in school and life.
Jan 20, 2015
commentary

Helping Teachers Overcome Technology Barriers in Early Childhood Education
When it comes to helping children appreciate the benefits of using technology in a classroom setting, early childhood education providers play a critical role integrating that technology appropriately, intentionally, and productively. But these educators face myriad barriers to fulfilling these roles.
Nov 21, 2014
commentary

Access to Technology Is Key to Early Childhood Education
For children from all income classes to benefit from the proper use of technology in early childhood education, providers, families, and children themselves must have access to an adequate technology infrastructure, including devices, connectivity, and software.
Nov 4, 2014
commentary

The Role of Technology in the Lives of Children
On a typical day, children ages 3-5 spend an average of four hours with technology, and technology use is increasing among children of all ages. Debates about the role of technology in early childhood education are ongoing, with some providers, parents, and others yet to be convinced of its potential benefits.
Oct 10, 2014
commentary

Narrowing the Income Achievement Gap
The achievement gap between children from the highest- and lowest-income families has substantially grown since 1960. The income achievement gap is now about twice the size of the black-white achievement gap.
Jun 12, 2014
commentary

Preschool Pays Off
Published commentary by RAND staff: Preschool Pays Off, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Sep 20, 2006