Research psychologists at Stanford University have discovered that “By 18 months of age, toddlers from disadvantaged families are already several months behind more advantaged children in language proficiency.” Language acquisition holds the key to reading comprehension. This new study helps make another strong case for ensuring that children–especially those who live in low-income households–have access to pre-K programs so that they come to school “kindergarten ready.”

Read the New York Times article, which references several key studies on poverty, preschool access, and the ties between language acquisition and later success in school.