UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Continued Investment in Child Care and Early Education is Critical to Business and America’s Future

Business leaders have an acute understanding of the
importance of a well-educated workforce to support
a strong economy, keep America competitive globally,
and ensure a vibrant democracy. If a community’s
talent pool is weak, economic development stagnates
and business suffers. Right now 20 percent of the
American labor force is functionally illiterate or
innumerate.1 Investing in high-quality child care and
early education builds a strong foundation of cognitive
and social skills in young children that can improve
their engagement in school and increase per capita
earnings and economic development.2 Business leaders
and policymakers should consider investment in young
children one of the most effective strategies to secure
the future economic strength of their communities and
the nation.

A Statement by the Policy and Impact Committee
of The Committee for Economic Development

Full Report: http://www.ced.org/images/content/issues/earlyeducation/UnfinishedBusinessLO.pdf