The Ready to Start program is for children who are eligible for kindergarten but have not had access to pre-kindergarten services or have demonstrated a need for additional services prior to their first day of school. That may include children who were on the Head Start waiting list, who tested below basic skills on their kindergarten screening, or who may not be ready developmentally for kindergarten but will enroll due to cost savings associated with childcare. Ready to Start runs four half days per week for five weeks just prior to the start of the school year. Ready to Start classrooms include 15 students with one teacher and one assistant. Because consistent attendance is critical for the children, transportation is provided.