Akron is trying to improve kindergarten readiness. Here's how:

Last school year, less than 4-in-10 incoming kindergartners in Summit County were considered kindergarten-ready.

A community-wide effort is now underway to support child care businesses and to better prepare all kids for kindergarten.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik joined representatives from more than a dozen community organizations Sept. 4 to announce the launch of the first phase of the Unified Early Learning System.

The goal of the initiative is to increase enrollment in early learning programs while reducing staff turnover at child care centers, improving quality and strengthening referrals to family resources.

"This is just the first step," Malik said. "This is about building a future where quality is consistent across our community, where providers are supported and not struggling,