School Readiness and Overall Development : Two Sides of One Issue for Preschoolers in High - Poverty Neighborhoods ?

Abstract: This article describes ways in which aspects of young children’s development—most notably, their acquisition of early academic skills and competencies, and their physical health and well-being— may be related, and the consequences for understanding and serving young children in high-poverty communities. The authors describe Five Hundred under 5, a placebased initiative launched in North Minneapolis, as well as characteristics of the children, families, and communities that participated in this initiative. The article concludes with some possible directions for future comprehensive, community-based interventions that support child development and overall community development. The research upon which this article is based was supported in part through funds provided by Scott McConnell’s appointment to the 2008–2009 Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs. Additional funding was provided by Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation, the University of Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Public Schools, the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, and Way to Grow.