Political Quotes

“I rise today to call attention to the importance of quality early childhood education programs throughout our country that promote and support the growth and development of our Nation's youngest citizens. Research has shown that the quality of early relationships and experiences contributes to school success, overall health, and future workforce productivity. During a young child's life, there are 700 new neural connections formed every second, thus creating the foundation for learning and more complex brain development. In fact, more than 85 percent of the foundation for communication: critical thinking, problem solving and team work, is developed by age 5--before children enter kindergarten. To reach their full potential, these connections need to be nurtured with positive and developmentally appropriate cognitive and social-emotional stimuli. Quality prekindergarten programs reduce placement in special education, lower the risk of grade retention, and decrease incidences of juvenile crime. Improving the success rate of high school graduation and adult earning potential is critical for our Nation's children. The implementation of quality early childhood education programs results in both social and economic benefits for the child into adulthood, as well as for the community and the Nation as a whole. Even conservative estimates yield a benefit/cost ratio of 2.36 and a significant long term increase in the gross national product.”