Research shows that the first five years of life are a critical time when children develop the early cognitive and character skills that set the foundation for later success in school, career and life. What is more, research from Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman shows that every dollar we invest in high-quality early learning grows the economy through a 7-10 percent return – per child, per year – to taxpayers through improved education, health, and social outcomes and decreased social spending – growing a stronger, more prosperous America.
Likewise, voters favor deep, wide and varied investments in early childhood programs from birth to age five. This includes making early education and child care more affordable, funding programs that meet specific quality standards, and building better more accessible preschool services.
Regardless of party affiliation, voters overwhelmingly say we should be doing more to ensure children start kindergarten with the knowledge and skills to do their best. As the candidates debate a diverse array of policy items, they shouldn’t forget what voters care about most: high-quality early childhood education for America’s children.