United States: Research results reveal that three out of five low-birth-weight toddlers fail to fulfill readiness criteria for school attendance based on current studies.
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A study published in the journal Academic Pediatrics showed that out of all children born with weights below 5.5 pounds, only a third are school-ready between the ages of 3 and 5.
Early learning abilities and self-regulation together with social and emotional development are behind where they should be according to research results.
Research identifies five protective elements that help children fulfill developmental markers for school readiness, US News reported.
Scientists identified two essential parenting behaviors, which involve daily reading sessions and restricted daily screen usage to no more than one hour, as important protective measures.
Low-birth-weight children benefit from their parents’ mental health and community support for special education and child care, as well as emotional connections in their networks, which keeps them prepared for school learning.
How was the study conducted?
According to the lead investigator, Dr. Gen Guyol, a health services researcher in neonatology at Boston Medical Center, “Our findings underscore the critical role that family routines and parental supports play in shaping early child development,” US News reported.
“By fostering predictability, such as through consistent household routines and spending dedicated time together, parents can create an environment that supports their child’s readiness for school,” she continued.
The study examined more than 1,400 US children born with low birth weights through survey data that contained school readiness evaluation questions for these kids.
According to the researcher’s background notes, school readiness assessment determines academic achievements in education, future financial outcomes, and health status for adults.
The assessment revealed that school readiness standards were met by 30% of children across the essentials needed in education preparation.
The ability to learn early concepts reached 45% of students, while self-regulation skills were measured at 67%, social/emotional capacities scored 75%, and physical health with motor skills reached 87%.
Children developed better outcomes when they obtained assistance together with their adult caregivers.