Did You Know That...
New studies by business groups argue that quality early childhood programs pay off?
Two reports issued in 2004 argue for an increased investment in early childhood education. In one, an economist who has studied the effects of early childhood programs on the children who attend them concludes that high quality programs contribute directly to higher employment levels. This, in turn, leads to greater earnings for the individual and more revenue for the government in the form of taxes. In other words, these programs more than pay for themselves. In fact, the author estimates the return at $3 for every $1 spent. The study, Exceptional Returns: Economic, Fiscal, and Social Benefits of Investment in Early Childhood Development, was produced by the Economic Policy Institute and is available on line.
The second, a working paper from the Committee on Economic Development, argues that investing in preschool is a far better way to boost the economy than most traditional methods. Developmental Education: The Value of High Quality Preschool is also available on line.