Early Childhood Talking Points

Early Childhood Programs are Vital to Connecticut – Now and in the Future!

PROTECT PROGRAMS NOW! For the safety, health and educational development of our youngest citizens.  State Funded Centers, State Funded Head Start, School Readiness, Family Resource Centers, Facilities Loan Fund, HUSKY Health and Dental, Early Childhood Planning Funds, Parent Trust Fund.

INVEST WISELY IN THE FUTURE! By maximizing federal early childhood funding opportunities, and creating a comprehensive system of early childhood.
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How do early care and education programs make Connecticut stronger?

Every dollar invested in quality preschool, Connecticut saves $18.89 in lifelong gains 1

Educational Progression & Attainment

Quality preschool helps Connecticut kids do better in school A Connecticut Teacher survey revealed that children with two years of quality preschool are twice as ready for kindergarten in language, literacy and math skills when compared to peers without preschool. Students from Bridgeport that attend quality preschool had higher reading scores from grades K-2; they also had fewer retentions (repeat grades) and more frequent attendance. 1

Quality preschool reduces special education costs for Connecticut towns Milford children who attended a quality preschool were three times less likely to require special education during their kindergarten year. 1

Quality preschool narrows the achievement gap – the largest in the nation Middletown children with quality preschool narrowed the achievement gap between African-American and Caucasian students. There was a threefold reduction in the number of low-income African-American students deemed “not ready for school.” 1

Quality preschool increases high school graduation rates A comprehensive, federally funded study of Chicago children who attended a preschool program were 29% more likely to graduate from high school.2

Crime

Quality preschool reduces crime & criminal justice costs Children in the Chicago study who attended a preschool program had a 33% lower rate of juvenile arrest, and a 40% reduction in arrest for a violent offense, resulting in savings to the criminal justice system and the tangible costs for crime victims.2

Labor Market Success

Quality preschool increases future earnings & increases tax revenues The Chicago study shows that children who attended a preschool program had higher incomes than their peers who did not attend preschool; increased tax revenues are associated with higher expected earnings capacity.2

1“A Children's Stock Portfolio,” Connecticut Commission on Children, April 2007

2 Chicago Longitudinal Study