Let's make early learning our 'big thing'

10:05 PM, Oct. 17, 2011
By Greg Landsman

Greg Landsman is executive director of The Strive Partnership, which is focused on improving education in Cincinnati, Covington and Newport.

My wife and I had our second child this past week, and as I walked our new son through the nursery wing of Christ Hospital on Saturday night, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to the dozen or so babies that were born since our Elijah arrived on Thursday.

As someone involved professionally in early childhood learning and development, I know just how critical the time from conception through the first five years of a child's life really is.

We know that children are ready for kindergarten are more likely to do well academically, graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and access a good paying job. Children who are "not ready" will likely struggle in school and many will ultimately drop out.

From conception to kindergarten ("0-5"), a child's development progresses faster than at any other stage of life. By age 3, 85 percent of the child's brain's core structure is formed.

Google "Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything," and watch the video. You'll see, like me, that expanding early childhood learning and development opportunities to every child, 0-5, is the social justice issue of our generation.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20111018/EDIT02/110180322/Guest-Column-Let-s-make-early-learning-our-big-thing-