A child needs a strong foundation

According to research by Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman, investing in early childhood education is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve education, health and economic outcomes for participants, as well as to lower the costs to society of people dependent on social programs.

Over a lifetime, children who are exposed to high-quality early learning will be healthier, more self-sufficient and less likely to enter the criminal justice system. They’re more likely to stay in school and graduate and less likely to become teen parents. Those real cost savings add up to as much as a 10 percent annual economic return for communities.

Brain development occurs more rapidly in the first five years of life than at any other time. What young children experience – or don’t experience – during this critical period will forever affect their emotional, cognitive and behavioral development. Just as a building needs a strong foundation, so, too, does a child.

http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/commentary/Investing_in_early_learning_will_spur_economic_growth_COMMENTARY_Joan_L__Benso_08-08-2011.html