The early care and education system is very important for all of Nebraska. Consider the following, from Early Childhood in Nebraska: The Importance of Early Childhood Education:
Rapid brain development, acquisition of language, development of approaches to learning, and emotional outlooks (e.g. trust) occur during the years 0-5.
Multiple research studies find a $7 – $1 return on investments in good quality early childhood programs. Costs savings are in crime prevention, school drop outs, teen pregnancy, and need for special education among children receiving early childhood services.
On average, low-income and vulnerable children who do not have the opportunity to attend quality, early childhood programs, are about 10-15 points behind average children at school entry.
Good quality child care and early childhood education programs enhance children’s development. Poor quality child care harms development. This is especially true for low-income children.
Early childhood education that promotes children’s development can be in a Head Start program, child care center, family child care home, preschool, pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program – as long as standards of quality are met.
In Nebraska: Nebraska has one of the highest percentages of working families with over 73% of the parents of children under the age of 6 are employed outside the home. About 80,000 children are in child care every day in this state, so early care and education is an issue that affects most Nebraskans. The Midwest Child Care Study (2003) shows that only 37% of the state’s child care is considered good – the rest is considered poor to minimal.
Research resources on the importance of high quality early care and education:
Building “The Good Life”:Investing in Opportunities for Nebraska’s Families, Communities, and Economy – Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest.
The real question is how to use the available funds wisely. The best evidence is presented in: the Heckman Equation by James J. Heckman, PhD, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, 2000.
Kids Count Report - provides information on the well-being of all children in areas of health, education, safety, and economic stability and features a special commentary on Nebraska’s county rankings.