Did you know that 90% of brain development occurs during ages 0-5? National studies show that children exposed to high quality early childhood education are 40% less likely to need special education or be held back a grade. They are also 70% less likely to commit a violent crime by age 18. The Kindergarten Readiness Community Action Network has evaluated the current environment of early childhood education in our county by conducting surveys and gathering publicly available data. Smith County Head Start programs, state or district funded pre-kindergarten programs and private early childhood centers, excluding PK-12 private schools, are all included in the analysis.