Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with half of its population under 18 years of age. Education is recommended as an effective route to reduce poverty, but it is limited in Ethiopia due to high drop-out rates. A lack of comprehensive, quality preschool preparation contributes to dropout rates. School Readiness Initiative plans to scale up its effective and modern early child care and education program in Ethiopia to address this. School Readiness Initiative's approach includes culturally appropriate teacher training programs, cognitive, mental and physical health programs, parenting education and family counselling, and has been shown to improve school readiness.