The first day of school can be nerve-wracking for anyone—especially kindergarteners. As families prepare their children for kindergarten, early intervention and support for building valuable skills can play a key role in ensuring a successful transition. Kindergarten Readiness, sometimes called “school readiness,” refers to a broad effort to prepare children from birth to 5 years of age for their formal school experiences. It encompasses different areas of child development, including language skills, social and emotional development, health and physical motor skills. This means young children learn to practice a wide variety of tasks, from listening to others to washing their hands in the bathroom.
Kindergarten Readiness sets the stage for a positive and successful academic journey, impacting not only a child’s school experience but their future social, economic and health outcomes.

Partners in Kindergarten Readiness
CareOregon collaborates with organizations across Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Jackson, Josephine, Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties to support young children and their families as they prepare for kindergarten. Many of our partners offer free resources and support to families in their community. Check out the organizations listed below and explore resources that are available in your area:
- Morrison Child & Family Services: Helping kids be kids
- Multnomah County: Early childhood and kindergarten readiness
- The Latino Network: Early childhood education programs
- El Programa Hispano Católico: Early childhood services
- Adelante Mujeres: Early childhood education
- Children’s Institute: Making Oregon the best place to be a kid
- Boost Oregon: Empowering conversations for healthy communities
- Oregon Relief Nurseries: Strong families are crucial
- Community Action: Helping people, changing lives
- Preschool for All: Multnomah County
- Healthy Families Oregon: Free, voluntary home visiting program
- Head Start/Early Head Start: Free early childhood education
Resources by county
- Multnomah: Early Learning Hub
- Washington: Early Learning Hub
- Clackamas: Early Learning Hub
- Jackson and Josephine: Early Learning Hub
- Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook: Early Learning Hub
- Oregon Educational Service Districts: Interactive map
Additional CareOregon resources
Let us help you
We can help connect you to resources or access to care for your child. Send us a secure message through our member portal or call Customer Service.