The Pediatrician’s Role in Optimizing School Readiness

School readiness includes not only the early academic skills of children but also their physical health, language skills, social and emotional development, motivation to learn, creativity, and general knowledge. Pediatricians may significantly influence school readiness. They can promote and monitor the social-emotional development of children by providing anticipatory guidance on development and behavior, encouraging positive parenting practices, modeling reciprocal and respectful communication with adults and children, identifying and addressing psychosocial risk factors, and providing community-based resources and referrals when warranted. Pediatricians are also well positioned to advocate for high-quality early childhood education and evidence-based family supports such as home visits, which help provide a foundation for optimal learning.