Advocacy

The Importance of Quality Education

The quality of a child’s future depends on the quality of education in the first five years. Benefits that can accrue from a first-rate early learning experience come only if the setting is safe, healthy, stimulating, thoughtful, organized and—perhaps most important—led by well-trained, attentive teachers.

What does quality look like? Read more from Invest in US.

Vital Statistics

Arkansas ranks 42nd among all states for child well-being. Just take a look at Zero to Three’s Arkansas state facts for infants and toddlers.

Studies show that attendance for at least one year in a high quality early childhood program results in:

• A decrease in school remediation
• A three-fold increase in high school graduation rates
• Less use of social services
• And higher lifetime earnings
• As a result, their families are six times more likely to remain in the workforce.
• According to Entergy economists, this equates to a return of $9.21 for every dollar invested in high quality early childhood education to Arkansas communities.
• For every invested in back-up child care, employers can expect a return of to in increased productivity and reduced turnover.

Why Early Childhood?

Invest in US explains why early childhood education is so key at this stage in a child’s life (“Four Numbers to Remember About Early Childhood“). Here are some key takeaways:

• 700 neurons are formed every SECOND
• 90-100% chance of developmental delays when 6-7 risk factors are in place
• 18 Months: The developmental age that vocabulary disparities first begin to appear
• 3:1 – odds of adult heart disease after 7 or 8 adverse childhood experiences

Additionally, early childhood education is a crucial component of attracting, developing and maintaining human capital in today’s workforce.

Want to learn more?

Check out our latest newsletter. You can also subscribe to it by sending a note to slane@hwccenter.com.

“Pre-K is an Investment in our Future Workforce: Bentonville Business Owner”

“December 2014 White House Summit on Early Childhood Education”