In January 1991, the National School Readiness Task Force was formed to promote the national goal of assuring that all children start school ready to learn. This report presents the Task Force's considerations and recommendations based on research reviews and interviews with practitioners nationwide. Following a brief discussion of the Task Force process, Chapter I redefines the concept of school readiness to include children's physical health, self-confidence, and social competence, and presents recommendations to create "caring communities" to support parents and foster children's learning and development. Chapter II provides a rationale for change, focusing on alarming trends in child health, stress on families, and lack of programs and resources for children. Chapter III presents the Task Force's vision of comprehensive support for young children and families throughout communities, while chapter IV discusses its vision of schools that are supportive of children and families. For each vision statement, a discussion is provided of developmentally appropriate practices, parent involvement, training/development and adequate compensation for staff, and comprehensive services for children. Chapter V presents four steps to building a caring community, including: (1) community leadership and planning; (2) improved federal policies and investments; (3) improved state policies and investments; and (4) initiatives by business and voluntary agencies to influence public policy and support parent involvement. Background information on Task Force members is attached. (Contains 54 references.) (AC)