Why Municipal Leaders Make Early Childhood Success a City Priority

Quality early experiences for young children ages birth to five pay dividends well into the future in the form of reduced crime, improved school and employment success, and stronger families. Research shows that every $1 invested in early childhood yields $7 in long-term benefits to society.  Improving access to high-quality child care can help cities in five key ways:

• Positive experiences between birth and school entry boost a child's healthy development and future prospects.  The "hard wiring" of a child's brain occurs during these early years.  Children with a good start are less likely to be held back or get in trouble in school, and more likely to graduate from college, avoid crime, and rely on emergency services.
• Families are more stable when the needs of their young children are met.  When children are healthy and in reliable care, their parents are more likely to maintain steady employment and are more productive workers.
• When children are ready for school, their schools are better able to meet high standards and student needs.  Successful schools benefit all students, improve a city's livability, and help develop a strong future workforce.
• Strong early childhood programs are a valuable asset for local economic development. These programs can attract better workers and support working parents, and in the long term form investments in a quality workforce that is likely to be more appealing to businesses looking for a stable location.
• Early childhood initiatives can level the playing field, bridging economic, racial, and ethnic disparities.