This research was conducted in direct response to Early Childhood Alaska: A Strategic Direction for 2025-2030, which identifies kindergarten readiness as a key priority for strengthening early learning outcomes in Alaska.

Within the Strategic Direction, Objective 6: Transitions emphasizes shared understanding, communication, and family guidance to support children as they prepare for kindergarten and enter the K–12 system.

The Strategic Direction calls to:

• 6.1.a: Complete and publicize the statewide kindergarten readiness definition.
• 6.1.b: Establish a statewide workgroup to propose shared definitions of system-wide terms, including but not limited to kindergarten readiness, quality, and high-quality programs.

A shared, statewide definition of kindergarten readiness is foundational to these expectations. The 2025 Strategic Direction includes activity language calling for agreement on and public communication of a kindergarten readiness definition that families, early childhood programs, schools, and communities can use consistently.

This study included a statewide survey and focus groups with families from diverse communities across Alaska. Families reviewed the draft kindergarten readiness definition and provided feedback on clarity, relevance, and usefulness as a guide for supporting children’s development and readiness for kindergarten. The attached materials provide an overview of findings from the research conducted and demonstrate that families across Alaska expressed strong support for the kindergarten readiness definition and viewed it as accurate, affirming, and helpful.