Income Inequality Undermines Kindergarten Readiness: Cities Step Up Where Federal Leadership Falls Short

Across the United States, a troubling truth emerges from recent federal data: nearly two-thirds of children enter kindergarten ready to learn—but once you peel back the layers of income inequality, a harsh reality sets in. Children from low-income families lag behind their wealthier peers by approximately 20% in reported readiness, underscoring how the American dream is increasingly out of reach before children even start school. How Long Will Washington Ignore the Childhood Opportunity Divide? The National Survey for Children’s Health, administered annually by the U.S. Census Bureau, paints a sobering picture. While overall numbers suggest progress—modest gains have been made...