This report compiles 6 of the 12 papers commissioned for the first Kauffman Early Education Exchange Conference in November 2001 that present the latest findings on the importance of social and emotional aspects of school readiness. The papers also provide evidence of programs that help to prepare young children for early school success. An introductory chapter, "Set for Success: Building a Strong Foundation for School Readiness Based on the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children" (Lisa G. Klein), argues that strong social-emotional development underlies all later growth and development; this introduction also summarizes the six commissioned papers, and delineates recommendations for practitioners and policymakers. Three papers address the research base connecting social-emotional development with school readiness: (1) "The Roots of School Readiness in Social and Emotional Development" (Ross A. Thompson); (2) "The Connections between Social-Emotional Development and Early Literacy" (Linda M. Espinosa); and (3) "Culture and Ethnicity in Social, Emotional and Academic Development" (Oscar A. Barbarin). Three additional papers focus on implications of research findings regarding the links between social-emotional development and school readiness for either practice or educational policy: (1) "Promoting Social and Emotional Development in Young Children: The Role of Mental Health Consultants in Early Childhood Settings" (Paul J. Donahue); (2) "Promoting Social-Emotional Development in Young Children: Promising Approaches at the National, State and Community Levels" (Roxane Kaufmann and Deborah F. Perry); and (3) "Promoting Social and Emotional Readiness for School: Toward a Policy Agenda" (Jane Knitzer). The accompanying executive summary presents the key findings and recommendations outlined in the six papers commissioned by the Kauffman Foundation. (Each paper, except the first, contains references.) (KB)