Ready 4 Success

A group of preschool students sit on the floor of a classroom, each one looking at an open book either held in the child's hands, or resting on the child's legs or on the floor.

Kindergarten readiness stands as a crucial determinant of a child’s future trajectory. In Franklin County, Ohio, only 40% of children demonstrate readiness for kindergarten. Ready 4 Success represents a comprehensive kindergarten readiness initiative that empowers young Columbus children to succeed.

Facilitated by the Schoenbaum Family Center at The Ohio State University and supported by the City of Columbus, Ready 4 Success collaborates with early education providers to foster high-quality learning environments. Through rigorous assessments, data-driven insights, and targeted professional development, we provide educators with the resources needed to cultivate robust literacy and math foundations. Our complimentary coaching and training aid educators in implementing effective strategies that instill a lifelong passion for learning in preschoolers.

Ready 4 Success’ adept coaches collaborate with directors and teachers at center-based early education and child care programs to assist them in attaining school readiness objectives for the children under their care. Ready 4 Success adopts a multifaceted approach to accomplish this goal, encompassing the assessment of children’s skills and knowledge at the commencement of pre-kindergarten, tracking advancements in fundamental math and literacy skills over the course of the year, delivering ongoing opportunities for professional development, and supplying instructional coaching for participating teachers.

Educators receive training in evidence-based and effective instructional strategies designed to enhance early literacy and math skills in preschoolers, with the aim of meeting school readiness goals. Participating teachers are equipped with the evidence-based Read It Again! pre-K supplemental curriculum, along with implementation support. Furthermore, educators at participating centers are granted access to a diverse range of Ohio-approved online professional development modules designed to deliver high-quality instructional support in an easily accessible format.

To learn more about Ready 4 Success, or to access our professional development modules, contact our director, Shelby Dowdy, at dowdy.54@osu.edu.

Ready 4 Success Online Professional Development Toolkit

The Ready 4 Success online professional development modules provide evidence-based instructional content, best practices, and strategies on topics essential to improving kindergarten readiness. All online professional development trainings are free and Ready 4 Success partners receive 1.5 hours of Ohio-approved OCCRRA credits for each completed module.