![]() ![]() As they grow, will we ignore the window of opportunity they present? Or will we invest in a prosperous shared future? What We Should Do The individual and societal benefits gained from high-quality early childhood education programs return $5.74 for every dollar our state invests.Įvery baby born in Washington state represents a new hope for the future. They are also less likely to repeat grades, be placed in special education, be involved in the juvenile justice system, and commit crimes as adults. National research confirms that children in high-quality early learning programs are more prepared for kindergarten, more likely to graduate high school, healthier, more likely to be employed, and report higher income. For example, researchers confirmed that a two-year dosage of Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) – a pre-kindergarten program for low-income families – eliminates the income-based kindergarten readiness gap. ![]() The first six years of a child’s life is a crucial window of opportunity that our state can maximize. Children’s experiences during these early years help determine the very architecture of their brains, and have long-lasting impact on their ability to thrive and succeed as they grow into adults. Over 90% of human brain growth happens between birth and age 6, and during these years kids learn a staggering set of skills – to walk, talk, play, feel empathy, count, regulate their emotions, feel curiosity, reason, engage with others and with ideas, and to persist towards a goal, to name a few. The economic reality in our state, however, means that 60% of Washington children under age 6 have all parents working – and thus every region and community in our state grapples with the critical need for early childhood care and education.Ĭhildren begin learning at birth. Regardless of region, political party, or ethnicity, every parent wants the best for their child. One of the best economic investments we can make What We KnowĪ child’s first and best teachers are their parents.
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