School Readiness Profiles: Why Preschool Education Quality Adds ValueUnderstanding School Readiness

School readiness isn’t just about knowing the alphabet or counting to ten—it’s a multidimensional concept. Cognitive skills (like language and early numeracy), social-emotional abilities, motor coordination, and the capacity to regulate attention and behavior all play a part. Recent studies using a person-centered approach show that children entering preschool group into distinct readiness profiles—some well-prepared, others showing patterns of risk across domains.

New Findings From Brazil

A 2025 study by Mariano and colleagues assessed school readiness in over 700 Brazilian preschoolers aged 4 and 5. Only 58 % of the children were fully “ready for school.” The remaining children exhibited either isolated or combined risks tied to academic underachievement or social maladjustment. Crucially, attendance at high-quality preschools served as a protective factor—but primarily for children at risk of poor academic performance. In other words, better preschool environments can significantly boost the odds of success for these children—even when facing socioeconomic or familial challenges.

What This Means for Families in Your Community

1. Holistic Readiness Matters Most

   Kids don’t arrive at school in a one-size-fits-all condition. By recognizing different readiness profiles, we can more accurately target what each child needs—whether that’s support with self-regulation, peer interaction, or early math and literacy.

   
   

2. Quality Preschools Can Make a Difference

   While not a guaranteed buffer for all readiness risks, attending a high-quality preschool can meaningfully help those specifically at risk of academic difficulties. That underscores the value of supportive, nurturing, and well-structured early learning environments.

   
   

3. Early Identification + Tailored Support Are Key

   The sooner we recognize a child’s readiness profile, the sooner we can provide the right supports—whether at home or in early education. That might look like play-based language development, social-skills workshops, or focused executive-functioning activities.

   
   

Our Commitment at Baumgarten Child Psychology and More

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we believe that keeping up with the latest scientific research is essential to providing the best care. We actively review and integrate new findings—like those from this study—into our assessments and interventions. By combining evidence-based knowledge with a deep understanding of each family’s unique situation, we aim to help children develop the skills they need for both academic and personal success.

Takeaway for Families

Investing in high-quality early education can level the playing field—most impactfully for children at risk of academic struggle. Recognizing and responding to individual readiness profiles empowers children to thrive, socially and academically, even amid broader challenges.