WHY EARLY LEARNING MATTERS Why does early learning matter, and how does it affect our community? We know from national studies and research that high-quality early education experiences can profoundly increase a child’s development and trajectory in life. Children from disadvantaged families are less likely to have access to high quality early education programs. This limited access directly impacts future education and career success. A positive experience in the first 5 years can help reduce the opportunity gaps that many children of disadvantaged families encounter. High-quality early education is not just increasing the rate at which children experience school success, it is also a major return on investment for society. James J. Heckman, Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, conducted research that determined there is a 13% return on investment on high quality early education for birth to 5-year-olds. Investment in early education continues to be one of the highest-reaping benefits to a community. In order to reduce or eliminate barriers of access to quality early education programs, systemic changes in the way we utilize resources should occur. Research has validated the call to action regarding utilization of resources, however, we continue to see children from disadvantaged situations attending low quality early education programs, which may adversely impact their opportunities in life. The narrative to our community is clear, we must act to use our resources to increase the quality of child care in Hillsborough County so that all children have the same access to future success. Source: Heckman: The Economics of Human Potential
ELCHC Community Needs Assessment 2021 | Page 4
