Scientists now know that 90 percent of child's brain architecture is built before the age of 5. But, a child doesn't traditionally start kindergarten until after he or she turns 5. So what's a parent to do? How can Kansas parents ensure that their children will start school ready to learn and prepared for success?

According to educators and early childhood experts, high-quality, voluntary early learning programs - those programs focused on children ages birth to 5 - are the single most effective way to improve outcomes in our K-12 school system.

Children who attend high-quality early learning programs are far more likely to enter kindergarten ready to learn, read at grade level by third grade, and graduate from high school or even college. In other words, if more parents and children participate in high-quality early learning programs, it will help make the Kansas K-12 system more efficient.

The Kansas Coalition for School Readiness is working to protect and strengthen funding for early learning programs in the state so that more Kansas children will have the opportunity to take part if their parents choose to do so. Click here for more information about how you can join the Kansas Coalition for School Readiness.