Advances in neuroscience and the behavioral and social sciences indicate that early life experiences form the foundation for educational achievement, as well as lifelong health, economic productivity, and responsible participation in society. The Early Development Instrument (EDI) is a population measure that provides a snapshot of children’s health, development and school readiness in the context of their neighborhood. The EDI process fosters a community-level understanding of child development that can inform more precise ways to support positive child outcomes. It compels stakeholders to look at the supports and resources available to young children prior to entering school and assess how the community, as a whole, can better support early child development and prepare children for school. The EDI can also inform how to address the needs of the current cohort of kindergarten children as they progress through school. (author abstract)