WHY CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM?

"Studies suggest that 85 percent of a child's brain is developed before a child can tie his or her shoes, yet 85 percent of the money is spent after that." 

The latest brain research tells us:

• Brain development occurs most rapidly and easily in the first 3 years.
• By age 2, we have 90% of our eventual brain weight.
• 85% of a child's intellectual and social development takes place by age 5.

What Young Children Need to Grow Up Ready to Learn:

• Healthy mother and prenatal care
• Nurturing relationships with care givers
• Safe and healthy environment
• Stable home life
• Immunizations and regular check-ups
• Exercise and well balanced diet
• Stimulating learning experiences

Stimulating/Quality Learning Experiences Can Occur:

• At home
• Babysitter
• Daycare home
• Childcare center
• Faith-based programs
• Preschool
• Playgroups
• Playgrounds

Why are Quality Early Learning Experiences Important?

• Physical development
• Social and emotional development
• Curiosity and creativity
• Reasoning and problem solving skills
• Language development and literary

The Impact of Quality Early Learning:

• A child between the ages 2-5 learns an average of 2-8 words a day.
• 2 words a day X 4 years = 2,920 words by kindergarten
• 8 words a day X 4 years = 11,680 words by kindergarten

Quality Early Childhood Experiences Lead to School Success:

• Children who participate in one early learning program increased MEAP test passage by 30% in 4th grade.  (Source:  MI School Readiness Program)
• Children who participate in high quality child care are more likely to attend college.

Investing in Quality Early Childhood Development - Impact on Child

• Increases school preparedness
• Increases long-term economic success
• Increases post-secondary education
• Improves occupational success
• Improve quality of life

Impact on Society

• Increases earning capacity/income taxes paid
• Increases job productivity
• Increases graduation rate
• Reduces special education expenses
• Reduces teen pregnancy rate
• Reduces crime
• Reduces poverty

Impact on Workplace

• Develop quality workforce
• Reduces cost of training and retraining
• Reduces absenteeism on the job
• Increases decision making abilities
• Increases home ownership and financial responsibility

Easy Steps You Can Take:

• Learn about the development of your child's brain
• Spend time with your child:  play, talk, read a book
• Find out about programs to support parents and young children
• Donate books, toys, clothing, money, or volunteer time
• Provide information to new parents, co-workers and employees
• Write or email your legislator
• Read a book to a child
• Be a vocal advocate
• Be a mentor
• Join the Great Start Parent Coalition
• Join Great Start Collaborative - Huron County

Research Links Poor Kids' Stress, Brain Impairment
By Rob Stein, Washington Post Staff Writer