FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Report Shows Decline in Kindergarten Readiness in Santa Clara County—But Points to Clear Solutions for Families
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA (May 4, 2026) — FIRST 5 Santa Clara County has released its 2025 Santa Clara County Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), a comprehensive report showing that fewer children are entering kindergarten fully prepared compared to previous years, while also identifying clear, actionable steps families and communities can take to improve outcomes.
The biannual assessment was developed in partnership with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, Applied Survey Research (ASR), Kids in Common, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and Morgan Family Foundation. Based on a representative sample of 705 children across 23 schools, the assessment evaluates kindergarten readiness across key developmental areas, including early academics, self-regulation, and social expression. Data were collected using the Kindergarten Observation Form (KOF), completed by teachers, and the Parent Information Form (PIF), completed by families.
Key Finding: Readiness Has Declined Since 2018
The report shows a notable decline in school readiness compared to 2018, likely reflecting the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children’s development, including reduced access to early learning, social interaction, and consistent routines.
“This report is both a wake-up call and a roadmap,” say Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd, Executive Director of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. “While we are seeing fewer children fully ready for kindergarten, we also know what works, and many of these solutions are within reach for families and communities.”
What Helps Children Be Ready for Kindergarten
The KRA highlights seven key factors known as “malleable assets” that are strongly linked to higher readiness scores:
Basic needs well-being (being well-rested and well-fed)
Participation in early learning programs (preschool, TK, Head Start, child care)
Caregiver education level
Lower weekday screen time
Participation in kindergarten transition activities
Caregivers learning about kindergarten expectations
Daily reading with a child
The report emphasizes that these factors are most powerful when combined.
“This tells us that readiness isn’t about one single factor—it’s about building a strong, supportive environment for children both at home and in the community,” said Cloyd.
A Call to Action for Families and Communities
The findings reinforce the importance of early investments in children and families, including access to high-quality early learning programs, family supports, and community resources.
To help families take action, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is encouraging caregivers to download its free “On My Way to K!” guide featuring Potter the Otter, which offers simple, everyday tips to build healthy habits and support school readiness.
“Parents don’t need to do everything perfectly,” added Cloyd. “Small, consistent actions—like reading together, creating routines, and spending time talking and playing—can make a big difference.”
About the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
The Santa Clara County Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is conducted every two years to better understand how children are developing before entering school and to inform programs, policies, and investments that support early childhood success.
The 2025 report also examines the role of socioeconomic factors, home environments, and access to community resources, providing critical insights for educators, policymakers, and service providers working to improve outcomes for young children.
About FIRST 5 Santa Clara County
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is dedicated to ensuring that all children in Santa Clara County are healthy, learning, and ready to succeed in school and life. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and programs, FIRST 5 supports families from the prenatal stage through age five by advancing early learning, strengthening families, and promoting child health. By working alongside community partners and systems, FIRST 5 helps create equitable opportunities so every child can thrive.
The full report is available at FIRST5kids.org/Data-and-Evaluation.
Download the “On My Way to K!” guide featuring Potter the Otter here.
Media Contact
Ali Kagawa
Director of Strategic Communications
(415) 686-221
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