EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third in a series based on a kindergarten preparedness study spearheaded by First 5 Permian Basin and the Early Childhood Strategic Plan. Following a recent study on kindergarten preparedness that showed 47 percent of Ector County children are not on track for that milestone, several efforts have been launched to help get them ready. Under First 5 Permian Basin, a division of the College of Education at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, programs include Parents as Teachers, HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) and the Nurse-Family Partnership. Areas some children were found unprepared in were physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, general knowledge and communication. Lamar and Carver early education centers are one of the first stops for youngsters under 5 in Odessa. Principal Martha Mitchell at Lamar and Sherry Palmer at Carver said they see the full range of students.Read more on NewsOK.com