Over fifty years after President Lyndon B. Johnson declared war on poverty, national experts and policymakers continue debating solutions for breaking the cycle as it exists today.
Yesterday, the House of Representative’s Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity, and Upward Mobility released their vision and mission statement, proposing early childhood education as a policy reform option for breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting upward mobility in America. Specifically, the task force has proposed strengthening federal and state coordination in early childhood education and providing families with a variety of options.
While early childhood education is not the only solution to breaking the cycle of poverty, experts agree it certainly is incredibly effective and has many long-term benefits. Not only is the brain science extremely compelling, but economists, business leaders and law enforcement officials also agree that early childhood education and development for low-income children is one of the best ways to promote upward mobility in a way that pays off for individuals and society as a whole. Those who experience quality early care and learning have better education, health, social and economic outcomes in life.
The House Task Force has taken an important step in also recognizing the role that a high quality early childhood education and development plays in setting a child on the right path. The First Five Years Fund applauds these efforts and looks forward to working with the Task Force as they move forward with this important work.
Read the full Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity, and Upward Mobility statement here.