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Minding children

Boston Globe Editorial, Monday, January 10, 2005

One in a series of editorials on the state's new early-education initiative.

Babies and toddlers are learning Startingearlymachines, working at first steps and words as well as the computer and the DVD player. Their potential must not be ignored as Massachusetts builds its new Department of Early Education and Care, which recently became part of state law.

Early education is vital for families with working mothers, especially when they are the sole breadwinner or are leaving welfare. But while toy companies sell "Zero to Three" developmental products, public policy lags behind.

In 2000, the National Academies published a scientific signpost called "From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development." A key recommendation is to help children develop "curiosity, self-direction, and persistence in learning situations." The report also calls for assessing programs based on their ability to reduce the skills gap of children from different backgrounds and addressing mental health needs. Emotionally healthy, inquisitive preschoolers who expect to be successful in learning would be school-ready.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that the city's early-childhood initiative had several benefits. Only 2 percent were held back, compared with an average rate of 23 percent. And only 1 percent were placed in special education, compared with an average rate of 21 percent.

A good curriculum for young children should emphasize play. In a well-crafted educational setting, playing can build motor skills, spark conversations that build vocabulary, and encourage children to focus, take turns, and solve problems. And while the national nonprofit organization Zero to Three says there is no proof that listening to Mozart makes children smarter, music can develop physical, verbal, memory, and musical skills.

A major national effort to bring enriching early education to young low-income children is Early Head Start. A result of legislation signed in 1994 by President Clinton, Early Head Start has helped many families, but its effect is limited by budget constraints.

So many children don't get high-quality early education opportunities despite research studies, cited in Neurons to Neighborhoods, showing the benefits, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. And some children are awash in policies that underrate or ignore their needs and potential. So if welfare reform were designed by early education experts, it might include cutting-edge child-care programs staffed by highly trained, well-paid teachers who knew how to handle children's behavior problems, disabilities, depressed parents, and other challenges.

As Massachusetts plans, it should develop innovative programs that help all children thrive from birth to the first day of school. As Massachusetts plans, it should develop innovative programs that help all children thrive from birth to the first day of school.

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