In a letter to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Reform, Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Heckman said that the answer to reducing America's debt is to spend wiser. Among his suggestions -- invest in comprehensive early childhood development—from birth to age five—particularly in disadvantaged children and their families.

The March of Dimes released its 2010 Premature Birth Report Card, and Connecticut earned itself a C. No other state fared any higher than a C grade. But, eight states earned a better grade on the report card and 32 others and the District of Columbia saw their preterm birth rates improve. In the United States, more than half a million babies are born preterm each year. Preterm birth, birth before 37 weeks gestation, is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. It is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifetime health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and others. Even infants born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. The last few weeks of pregnancy are critical to a baby because many important organs, including the brain, are not completely developed until then. On the 2010 report card, 17 states earned a “C,” 20 received a “D,” and 13 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico failed.

Even though Congress returns to a lame duck session, there is still work that needs to be done; particularly when it comes to making a difference for children and families.

The recent report by Governor Rell's commission to close the achievement gap has found that investing in and expanding high-quality preschool and full-day kindergarten will help close the largest achievement gap in the country.

Judith Palfrey says no matter who has control in Congress, children are not a political choice. They are the ones, she said, who have the most at stake with decisions made by lawmakers.

More than two-thirds of the country's preschoolers are getting more than the maximum two hours of screen time recommendated by the American Academy of Pediatrics in the form of TV, computers, DVDs and video games

CT Public News Service highlights a recent conference that brought a new fatherhood initiative into preschool classrooms in Connecticut.

CNN profiles a single father who is facing hardships, due in part to the fact that his 3-year-old daughter has been waiting on the Head Start waiting list for more than a year. It's difficult in two ways: one, dad can't find work because he is caring for his daughter, and two, his daughter is missing out on valuable learning experiences.

Among the recommendations to help close the largest achievement gap in the country, Governor Rell's Commission on Educational Achievement released more than 65 recommendations, including providing greater access to pre-K, especially for low-income children and pull early childhood education away from the state department of education and give it a commissioner of its own.

This article explores the importance of early childhood education, how it can help prevent the achievement gap and grapples with the question: invest now or pay later?