This is one the fourth in a series of reports that examine key issues related to family and community connections with schools. These research syntheses are intended to help local school, community, and family leaders obtain useful information derived from rigorous research. In addition to presenting findings from recent research, the synthesis includes other information to help readers make the most of the research findings. Chapter 1 briefly outlines the purpose,context, and organization of the synthesis. Chapter 2 describes the procedures and criteria used to select the specific studies for review in this report. Chapter 3 provides background information to help readers put specific research findings into the broader context of ideas and practices related to readiness and the transition to kindergarten. Chapter 4 provides the meat of the matter an overview of the major findings from the studies reviewed for this synthesis. Chapter 5 offers recommendations to help practitioners put the research findings to practical use, as well as recommendations for additional research to address this critical topic. Chapter 6 presents a more detailed description of each of the individual research studies from which we drew our findings. To help lay readers understand both the power and the limitations of the findings, a "primer" on what to look out for when analyzing research results is included. Readers with limited research knowledge are strongly encouraged to read through this primer (appendix A) before moving to the other chapters. To help put the findings into context, an overview of major concepts, definitions, and issues related to readiness is also provided, and to help practitioners put the findings to use, some specific recommendations for local policy and practice, as well as further research on this topic are offered.