Ready for School, Ready for Life (Ready Ready) is a community-wide initiative to build a system of care for children prenatal to five years old, to ensure all children in Guilford County are ready to succeed in kindergarten and thrive in life.  

In Guilford County, 50% of children arrive at kindergarten unprepared; yet, we know that 80% of brain growth occurs by age three, so early intervention is critical. As a backbone organization, Ready Ready works with evidence-based programs as well as a network of community programs, agencies and organizations, to connect families with the resources, support, and information they need.

Over $100 million has been invested in this effort through partnerships with Blue Meridian Partners, The Duke Endowment, and many other regional and local funders, including The Cemala Foundation. Investments in the development of children are investments in the future workforce, and economic success of our community.

The Basics Guilford is a movement to help parents and caregivers enhance brain growth in children during the critical early years. Through its five science-based caregiving practices, The Basics seeks to maximize brain development and parental involvement.  

The Basics Guilford is an initiative of Ready for School, Ready for Life in partnership with The Cemala Foundation. While coordinated locally, it’s part of a broader national network of communities striving to help all children thrive.