Why is it important?

Supporting quality early care and education is an investment in our future. It is through these investments that young children will have the best chances of being ready for school and achieving life-long success. Therefore, supporting programs that offer the means to improve the quality and ensure the effectiveness of early care and education makes sound economic sense. (See The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission.)  

Building a strong economy STARTS with quality early learning & child development. Here's how: ·      If families and caregivers can provide quality early childhood development, then children will start school ready to learn. ·      If children start school ready to learn, they are more likely to read at grade level by 3rd grade. ·      If children ready at grade level by 3rd grade, they are more likely to graduate from high school. ·      If children graduate from high school, they are more likely to go on to higher education and/or enter the job market as a tax paying citizen. ·      This strategy results in successful citizens contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of our community. Reprinted with the permission of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Commission

Extensive research indicates that the returns on investments in high-quality early education and school readiness initiative are significant and long lasting—impacting our children, our society and the health of our economy for generations to come. (See The Effects of Investing in Early Education on Economic Growth.)

Further, research shows that children who participate in high-quality preschool programs are far more likely to experience greater education achievements, strive toward higher vocational aspirations and contribute to society later in life. (See Impacts of Early Childhood Programs.)