Gaping disparities in educational achievement exist at kindergarten entry. Research indicates that school readiness requires a holistic approach directed by the pivotal question: What will allow babies to become successful learners? By understanding the real-life situations of babies and their families in the context of their communities and cultures, we can improve the academic and social competence of young children and ensure that all children enter kindergarten with confidence, fully capable of building and sustaining relationships with teachers and handling the everyday challenges in the classroom and on the playground.