Early Childhood Education Boosts Economy

Early Childhood Education Boosts Economy (article link)

(image from web article: Early Childhood Education Boosts Economy)

In an article for Suite101, a collaborative publishing community, Stephen Raburn delves into the research supporting the pay-off for investing in early childhood development. Although the article dates back to February of 2010, its content is still relevant today. Early childcare and education has been a hot topic, especially with the past election, and in terms of the issue of funding such programs; therefore, understanding the pay-off for this investment is crucial to move forward for progress in early childhood development.

Simply put, Raburn states that “capable children become the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society.” He cites the Economic Policy Institute’s report, “Exceptional Returns: Economic, Fiscal, and Social Benefits of Investment in Early Childhood Development,” which presents empirical calculations that show how early education programs can ultimately provide financial benefits to local governments, taxpayers and society “in general in the form of higher earnings and reduced crime.”

The report estimates a return of $8.74 for every $1 invested in quality early childhood education programming. That ratio jumps to about $17 for every $1 spent specifically on the 20% of US children living in poverty. With these projected economic payoffs, shouldn’t early education and childcare be a top priority?

As you know, HMESF is a firm believer in improving the quality of learning and available care for children ages 0-3. If more understood the impact of early education and childcare for children, we could make real strides in our children’s future development.