Joe Donnelly: “early childhood learning is critical to building a strong foundation for each child's welfare and success. It is linked…”

“early childhood learning is critical to building a strong foundation for each child's welfare and success. It is linked to better outcomes in school, such as high school and college completion rates, higher wages, and better social and emotional skills. Research shows that for every dollar spent, the benefits of early childhood education to society are $8.60. Around half of that reflects increased earnings for children when they grow up. Early childhood education can also lower involvement with the criminal justice system and reduce the need for remedial education. Clearly, early childhood education such as pre-K is crucial to preparing each generation for the academic and professional challenges ahead. There is no doubt that families play a critical role in achieving academic success. When families are involved in children's learning at a young age, it better prepares them to succeed in school. Research shows that when parents and families are involved in their children's education, children are more likely to succeed. For example, children whose parents read to them at home recognize letters and write their names sooner than those whose parents do not. It is because of the importance of early childhood education and parent and family involvement in that early education that I worked on language that is now included in the Every Child Achieves Act.…”