As the nation and Kansas struggle through an economic crisis, a new administration and Congress gear up to make choices for our future. The right choice to strengthen our economy is to invest in children. It is imperative that high-quality, affordable and accessible early childhood education become a priority in state and national investments and policymaking. Focusing our efforts on early childhood education both at the grassroots level and on a national stage will ensure the strength of America today and in the future.
James Heckman of the University of Chicago and Arthur Rolnick of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis are among some of our nation's top economists who agree that the investment in early childhood education leads to a significant return. Thomas F. Cooley, a dean of the New York University-Stern School of Business, wrote for Forbes.com, "Education, as we all know, is a cumulative process. Thus, calling for a highly educated work force implies, almost by definition, that individuals receive both early childhood development and a solid education from kindergarten on up." Cooley also echoed research proving that children who receive proper early childhood development and education in areas such as language, motor skills, social skills and emotional support are less likely to drop out of school, commit crimes and require government support later in life.
Simply put, investing in early childhood education lays the foundation for children to succeed in school, work and life.
The Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children strongly believes that our nation cannot wait any longer to make a high-quality, well-financed system of early childhood education a priority in every state and community. Investments in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and for Head Start would help hardworking families. For eight years, early childhood education has not been adequately funded, yet costs to run and maintain child care and early learning programs have increased at a faster rate than inflation.
In Kansas, the worsening economy is hitting the state budget hard. Lawmakers are looking at a $141 million budget shortfall in the current fiscal year and, if nothing is done, a $1 billion shortfall next year.
The economic woes of Kansas will only be countered by a local, state and nationwide commitment to strong, high-quality early childhood education. Investments in early childhood education would keep and create jobs in early childhood, which is an economic sector as well. This is also a crucial time for investments in human capital and the creation of a vibrant work force. According to one study, by making it possible for parents to work, the licensed child care sector allows Americans to earn more than $100 billion annually. A thriving early childhood education field leads to three thriving work forces: families who depend on child care to work, the early childhood work force that would continue providing the care and education, and the future work force of those who are benefiting from the programs.