This January 2017 research brief describes research-based approaches to effectively engage families and children at risk for poor school readiness. The brief highlights findings from recent studies with preschool children (ages 3-5) and focuses on effective parent engagement models that improve school readiness outcomes in well-controlled studies. It finds that supporting parents' efforts to help their children develop during the preschool years improves a child's school readiness, reduces behavior problems, enhances social skills, and promotes academic success.