Why is Early Childhood Education an important public policy issue?
• It’s a social issue. Brain and child development research has focused increasing attention upon the importance of the earliest years of life (birth to five) to lifelong growth and development. The foundation for learning develops very early and is a foundation for success in school, the workplace, and life. • It’s an economic issue. Economic analysis tells us that early childhood education is a sound investment of limited resources. High-quality early childhood programs can return up to $12 to society for every dollar invested. Art Rolnick, Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis states, “The return on investment from early childhood development is extraordinary, resulting in better working public schools, more educated worker, and less crime.” What do we know about what works? • Parents are the child’s most important teacher and parents can use support and information about what their young children need to know and be able to do to
