The early years offer the greatest opportunity we have

Twelve months in a 1-year-old's life is their whole life; 12 months in a 4-year-old's life is a quarter of their life. Brain development research is clear in showing that investments in the early years offer the greatest opportunity we have to narrow the achievement gap and reduce dropout rates, remedial programs and prison populations.

Granted, it may be 18 years before a baby born in 2011 contributes to Oregon's economy by paying taxes, but I would argue that ignoring this child could result in far greater expenses to Oregon's Education and Human Services budgets long before he or she reaches 18.

Julie Young
Northwest Portland
http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2011/01/early_child_education_belongs.html