Why invest in early childhood education?
Brain development in the first five years of life provides the architecture upon which all later brain development and learning is founded.
When we are born, our brain is 25% developed, and yet 90% of the brain is developed before children enter the kindergarten door! This early brain development provides the architecture upon which all later brain development and learning is founded. Enriching experiences in the early childhood years change brains!
High quality early childhood education helps children and families build critical skills, habits and neuronal structures—all of which contribute to healthy lifestyles, which in turn contribute to improved academics, social development, physical health and earning potential.
Leaders from all sectors of society -- business, economic development, education, criminal justice, social services -- agree that a high quality early childhood system is critical for a thriving society.
Research on the local level and in national studies demonstrates that children and families who experience high quality programs such as the Leelanau Children’s Center live better lives!
High quality early childhood education:
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reduces delinquency and crime
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reduces the likelihood of abuse and neglect
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increases high school graduation rates and college enrollment
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lowers rates of teen pregnancy
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improves standardized test scores
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reduces grade retention
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leads to greater employment, higher wages and increased life-long earnings
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reduces numbers of children in remedial/special education and social services
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cultivates an educated workforce and tax paying citizens
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raises income and consumer spending levels
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makes communities more competetive in the marketplace
From a financial standpoint- every dollar invested in high quality early childhood education returns seventeen dollars- an investment that can’t be beat on Wall Street!
Why does it matter?
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