Early childhood education pays off, $16 to $1

"The Economic Power of Early Childhood Education in Wisconsin," was authored by Minneapolis Federal Reserve economist Rob Grunenwald and former Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau analyst Don Bezruki. It was released in March 2012.

The report states that early childhood education is one of the most cost-effective and potent economic development tools available. Investment in young children supports economic development by boosting the long-run productivity of the labor force and reducing public costs. In the cold calculus of economic analysis, repeated studies have not only confirmed the long-term value of early childhood education, but its economic payback has been estimated as high as $16 for every $1. Early childhood education programs can provide high rates of return when:

1. They are of proven high quality.
2. They reach children in greatest need, such as children in poverty.
3. They reach children well before they start kindergarten.

http://www.wpri.org/Reports/Volume25/Vol25No2/Vol25No2.html