What Does Readiness Look Like?

Readiness is not about reaching a set benchmark it’s about understanding where each child is developmentally and helping them move forward.

At Learning Ladder, we assess readiness using:

• Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3/ASQ:SE)

• Teacher observations and portfolio documentation

• Family input and cultural context

Example: A child whose primary language is not English may show cognitive readiness through storytelling or problem-solving in their home language. We honor that and build upon it.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ERvEUjSBLlcuD0cMrrmL430RNcm2tJ0cLSvUzs6kv34/edit?tab=t.0

Culture, Language & Family Shape Learning

Each child joins our preschool with their own set of values, languages, and cultural traditions. We embrace these influences and thoughtfully integrate them into our curriculum, learning materials, and daily classroom experiences. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TKM8p0awL3o7JOOaszqYYa9NdZMFl8h5EIAVbwXAHOA/edit?tab=t.0

Building Relationships & Emotional Skills

Social-emotional learning is the heart of early learning. Social emotional growth lays the foundation for all other learning. At Learning Ladder Preschool, we nurture this growth through proven strategies like the Pyramid Model and Conscious Discipline, helping children develop emotional awareness, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging in their classroom community.

https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/docs/pyramid_model_handout

We Work With You

At Learning Ladder Preschool, families are essential partners. We build trust through consistent communication, shared decision-making, and open dialogue.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cqKSJNce7njd1JQYemCA5kFeROIZX8iRsGc7ckvJE_o/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.9rvucwgn12m6

Sharing the research and practices behind our approach helps families and community members understand how we support each child’s unique growth and learning. At Learning Ladder Preschool, we believe that by working closely with families, educators, and specialists, we create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

This information empowers families to actively participate in their child’s development and reinforces the importance of social-emotional skills, cultural awareness, and school readiness. It also highlights the power of collaboration between home and school in nurturing confident, capable learners.

For community stakeholders, understanding our commitment to evidence-based practices and inclusive education strengthens support for programs that meet the needs of all children.

Together, we can build a strong foundation that sets every child on the path to success in school and in life!

Bailey, B. A. (2015). Conscious Discipline: Building resilient classrooms. Loving Guidance, Inc.

Fox, L., Dunlap, G., Hemmeter, M. L., Joseph, G. E., & Strain, P. S. (2003). The Teaching Pyramid: A model for supporting social competence and preventing challenging behavior in young children. Young Children, 58(4), 48–52.

Gray, C. (2010). The new social story book. Future Horizons.

Hemmeter, M. L., Fox, L., & Snyder, P. (2016). Addressing challenging behavior in young children: The Pyramid Model. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.

Odom, S. L., Buysse, V., & Soukakou, E. (2011). Inclusion in early childhood programs: A synopsis of research. Early Childhood Education Journal, 39(6), 305–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-011-0484-0