Early childhood admissions require a thoughtful approach that balances developmental readiness with institutional priorities. This session will explore best practices for evaluating PK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade applicants, including the use of academic assessment tools, observational strategies, and key data points to support informed decision-making. We’ll discuss how to interpret assessment results in a meaningful way and how to use that data beyond admissions to guide placement, support early instruction, and track student progress over time. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable insights to refine their admissions process, incorporate stronger data into their decisions, and support long-term enrollment success.