Abstract: This report "is a compendium of indicators depicting both the promises and the challenges confronting our Nation's young people. The report, the 16th in an ongoing series, presents 41 key indicators on important aspects of children's lives. These indicators are drawn from our most reliable statistics, are easily understood by broad audiences, are objectively based on substantial research, are balanced so that no single area of children's lives dominates the report, are measured regularly so that they can be updated to show trends over time, and are representative of large segments of the population rather than one particular group. This year's report also incorporates several modifications that reflect the Forum's efforts to improve its quality and breadth. In addition to updating data sources and expanding several indicators, the report presents a special feature on children's kindergarten experiences."--P iii.