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Better results for kids and families through research-informed policy

Priorities: Why is it Important that Children are Healthy and Prepared to Succeed in School?

Success in school and later life depends on a positive foundation in the early years of childhood. Children who succeed academically, socially and emotionally have a greater chance of becoming economically productive and engaged citizens. Young children are especially responsive to both positive and negative environmental influences. At the same time, toxic stress associated with maternal deprivation, poverty, and child abuse, can lead to lifelong learning, behavior, and physical and mental health problems. [i]

What are the Key Elements of this Result?

  • Achieving health and developmental milestones. Optimal results start with planned, healthy pregnancies to individuals who are prepared for parenthood, and continue with children’s positive social and emotional development, safety and physical health, and cognitive growth. Early physical and mental health is important to school readiness and success. [ii]
  • Supportive families. Stable, secure and nurturing relationships are a core component of healthy development. Parents who have effective parenting skills, literacy, the capacity to provide for children’s physical and emotional needs, and connections with supportive networks and services are the foundation for healthy and prepared children. Teens and young adults who delay and plan for parenthood when they are older are better able to achieve educational and financial goals that result in better outcomes for their children.
  • High-quality early childhood care and education. Quality programs can enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development, especially among low-income preschoolers. Participation helps prepare children for school and has a long-term positive impact on school performance.
  • Smooth transition into effective early elementary classrooms. The successful transitions to new grades, regular school attendance, few school changes, teachers who provide both instructional and emotional support and positive classroom experiences all contribute to early and continued school success.

    [i] Schorr, L.B. and Marchand, V. (2007). Pathway to children ready for school and succeeding at third grade. Cambridge, MA: Pathways Mapping Initiative, Harvard University.
    [ii] Child Trends, School Readiness: Helping Communities Get Children Ready for School and Schools Ready for Children. Washington, D.C.: 2001.

For more information on the specific risks associated with teen and unplanned pregnancies.

Public Opinion. (PDF, National Campaign) Sixty-nine percent of Americans support the goal of reducing unplanned, and in particular unwanted, pregnancies, but underestimate the extent of the issue for young adults. Only 19% know that women in their 20s have the largest number of unplanned pregnancies.