A successful start to a child’s academic career means more than just getting them to school on time the first day of kindergarten, and the Brentwood Union School District wants to make sure parents know it. That’s why the district, in conjunction with seven other agencies, is holding the first Brentwood Community Kindergarten Readiness Fair on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The fair, which is free, will give parents with children 5 and under an opportunity to speak to school principals and kindergarten teachers, apply for a free library card, get a free parenting kit, find out about youth sports and art programs, learn about free tutoring programs, participate in the Ballet Folklorico dancing school, as well as many other fun and valuable activities.

“The district recognizes the immense importance of early childhood development and wants to partner with each and every parent and future student from the earliest possible age,” said Dana Eaton, director of student services for the BUSD. “We realize the family is every child’s first teacher and want to provide parents with free tools, information and support as well as connect them to wonderful agencies that provide ongoing support to families.”

The event will include five 20-minute presentations on various aspects of early childhood development. One will be a user-friendly overview on brain development by the Child Care Council of Contra Costa County.

“We just want make sure that parents are aware of how important development of the brain is,” said Candy Duperrori, resource referral supervisor for the Child Care Council. She said that 80 percent of a person’s brain has developed by age 3, and that stimulation provided by parents, child care providers and teachers through play, music, arts and crafts, and reading is critical.

“Preschool does matter,” said Duperrori. “Children who have attended preschool are able to catch on to reading faster, they can sit in class and socialize better, and do what they need to do in the classroom to thrive.”

Other presentations will be on kindergarten curriculum expectations (presented by the BUSD); early literacy (Brentwood Library); building successful habits for school success (BUSD); and preparing for the first day of school (BUSD). The presentations run back-to-back starting at 5:10 p.m.

Other agencies on hand to answer questions, share and distribute resources and provide support include Head Start, the Village Community Resource Center, A Place of Learning, First 5 and the City of Brentwood.

“We have many amazing agencies in Brentwood that provide free expertise, resources and other support for our families and their young children,” said Eaton. “We want to bring all of these organizations together under one roof so that families can access that support conveniently and thoroughly.”

Free items will be distributed and a free raffle with great prizes will take place at the fair. Light refreshments will also be available.