Understanding Kindergarten Readiness Factors
Explore the latest research on early childhood development and the key factors that predict kindergarten success.
Read the researchCongressional App Challenge Winner 2023
Preparing Every Child for Kindergarten Success
Nearly 48% of children enter kindergarten unprepared, putting them at 4x greater risk of not graduating. We're changing this story through Countdown2K, our app that helps families build essential skills for school success.
3-5yrs
Age Range
100+
Activities
6
Skill Areas
Free
Always Free
Transform Learning Through Play
Countdown2K makes kindergarten preparation fun and interactive for preschool-aged children and their families.
Research-Based Learning
Aligned with school district readiness standards to ensure your child meets kindergarten expectations.
Comprehensive Development
Covers academic skills, social-emotional growth, and classroom readiness in one engaging app.
Parent-Friendly Design
Easy-to-use activities with progress tracking so you can celebrate every milestone together.
Expert-Backed Content
Created by educators and child development specialists for real, measurable results.
Interactive Activities
Engaging games and exercises that make learning feel like playtime, not homework.
Progress Tracking
Monitor your child's development with personalized recommendations for continued growth.
Our Story
Born from Personal Experience
“I wanted to build an app to help young children learn academic and social skills at an early age. When I researched what our district was doing for kindergarten readiness, I found worksheets and checklists that were helpful—but kids couldn't work on them without constant parent help.”
Founded by Annika Chadha, A Step Forward transforms those static resources into interactive, engaging experiences. We're working with educators, policymakers, and families to ensure every child enters kindergarten ready to thrive.
Learn Our Full StoryEmpowering Our Community
Countdown2K brings together families, educators, and communities to give every child their best start.
For Families
Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities with fun, bite-sized activities you can do together—no teaching experience required.
Learn moreFor Educators
Bridge the gap between home and classroom with resources aligned to kindergarten standards and district expectations.
Learn moreFor Communities
Invest in proven solutions that prepare children for success, reducing educational inequities from the very start.
Learn moreEvidence-Based Approach
Latest Research
Our approach is grounded in peer-reviewed research on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness.
The Long-Term Impact of Kindergarten Readiness
Discover how early preparation affects academic outcomes from elementary school through high school graduation.
Read the researchHow Technology Enhances Early Learning
Learn how digital tools can effectively support language, literacy, and cognitive development in young children.
Read the researchStart Your Child's Success Story Today
Join thousands of families using Countdown2K to build kindergarten readiness skills— because every child deserves to start school confident and prepared.