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Investing money in early education will benefit all of society
Patriot Ledger, Letter to the Editor by Margaret Blood
February 11, 2008

Boston — I commend The Patriot Ledger for both its recent Jan. 23 editorial, “Family investments needed” and its Jan. 19-22 three-part series on early education, “The State of Day Care.”

In difficult fiscal times, it is important that we invest in effective policies that maximize the state’s resources.

In his fiscal year 2009 state budget, Gov. Deval Patrick proposes a $15 million increase to the Massachusetts Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, an $8.4 million increase to the Kindergarten Expansion Grant Program, and a $1.2 million increase for professional development for early education and care providers.

These are wise choices.

Research demonstrates that investments in high-quality early education lead to positive outcomes for our children, our communities and the economy, while yielding a substantial return on the taxpayers’ investment.

On average, low-income children who attend two years of high-quality early education programs are 40 percent less likely to need special education services or be held back a grade; 30 percent more likely to graduate from high school; and twice as likely to go to college.

Employers report reduced employee turnover, lowered absenteeism and increased productivity when workers have reliable and high-quality early education and care for their children.

The research of Nobel Prize- winning economist James Heckman indicates that investments in high-quality early education provide substantial returns to society, a conclusion shared by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota, which reports a 16 percent return for every dollar invested.

Now is the time to ensure that all children get the start that they deserve by providing access to high-quality early education.

The Patriot Ledger is correct when it says, “Our children deserve it, and we should demand it.”
It will pay dividends for all of us.

MARGARET BLOOD, Campaign Director, Early Education for All Campaign, Boston

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