Action Alert Issued by Promise The Children
Birth and Beyond - Readiness from the Start
Research shows that the early years, from birth and beyond, are critical to later success in school and life. We know that children need access to health care, strong family structure and positive early learning experiences. It is imperative that state programs such as Head Start, child care programs and universal pre-k, work in concert to provide more unified services that insure an advantage right from the start. As research evolves, many organizations are pulling together programs, policy, and corporate sponsorship so that our children will benefit from the birth and beyond concept.
Programs that target this age group commonly accommodate a low income population. There is sound evidence to give access and education to the caregivers of these children. Facts show that 1 in 3 children is born into poverty and that economically disadvantaged children enter kindergarten 1-2 years behind in language and other skills important to school success. By age 5, children in high-risk environments can already be two years behind developmentally. What children learn from birth and beyond depends on the experiences they have each and every day. Programs that target the whole child, including caregivers, are much more effective in accomplishing the goal of overcoming these educational shortfalls.
Similar to Universal Pre-K, the benefits of early education need to be made available to all regardless of income. It would be simplistic to assume that higher income families are savvier with the research and the effects of a non-stimulating environment. While this is often the case, a higher income bracket does not guarantee a caregiver who is familiar with the research, the need for quality programs, or the detrimental effects on children who are not given developmental opportunities. It is vital that these findings reach all caregivers whether they use the information for advocacy, education, or caretaking.
The proof is easy to read and makes sense regarding productivity, education and economics. Research shows that every $1 invested in high quality early education and care programs saves $17 down the road, with tangible results measured by lower crime, fewer single parents, and higher individual earnings and education levels. Unlike the Universal Pre-K initiative, birth and beyond is a less concrete concept in that it is not a formulated program. Rather, it reflects the notion that if programs already in place join together, we can provide a rich future for young children and their families, and the community.
For more information regarding early education from birth and beyond, please check out the following websites:
www.bornlearning.org
www.zerotothree.org
http://www.unitedway.org/sb6/index.cfm