The academic success of children in later years depends heavily upon their kindergarten readiness. The first few years of education and preparedness are the most crucial to establishing a solid foundation from which children can adapt to school systems and learn successfully. During this period, children develop primary skills that form the foundations of reading, counting, and social interaction. The levels of preparedness with which a child enters kindergarten are academic and emotional, and they rely most heavily on being prepared at home.

As health and nutrition are becoming more important factors in determining the foods cafeterias offer, communities can integrate with United Way campaigns that are aimed to provide more accessible options for healthy eating in schools and educate children on the importance of proper nutrition. In the United States, more than two-thirds of adults and children are overweight or obese. Not only is this a physical health concern, but it can be crucial to the development of healthy mindsets.