Playbook for Becoming an Early Learning Community

An overwhelming body of research from scientists, economists, public health
,
and education
experts agree that the foundation for success in life begins during pregnancy and is built well
before a child enters a kindergarten classroom.
Leading economists agree that high
–
quality
early learning programs can help level the playing field for children from low
–
income families in
developing the cognitive and social and emotional skills necessary to help
children succeed and
stay engaged in school. Research
has shown that taxpayers receive a high average return on
investments in quality early childhood education.
Economic studies have documented a
return
of
$7
or more for each dollar invested
,
through a reduced need for spending on other services,
such as re
medial education, grade repetition, and special education, as well as increased
productivity and earnings
in adulthood
.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/playbook_for_becoming_an_early_learning_community.pdf