Understanding the Importance of Early Education

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Understanding the Importance of Early Education

• Mara G. Aspinall

President Genzyme Genetics
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The Early Years Are Learning Years
Sources Public expenditures RAND analysis.
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Early Education Pays in Better Child Outcomes
Source Reynolds, "Journal of the American
Medical Association.
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Early Education Returns 7.16 Per 1 Invested
(Lifetime savings per participant (based on age
27 follow-up) in 2001 constant dollars,
discounted 3 annually)
Sources Barnett, High/Scope Press.
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An Increasing Priority Across the Nation

• 3 States have Universal Pre-K
• Georgia
• Oklahoma
• Florida
• 12 States moving toward Universal Pre-K
• New York
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Early Ed a top priority in Gubernatorial
  Elections
• Virginia
• New Jersey
• 26 States increased Pre-K Investment in FY06

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H.4582 An Act Relative to Early Education and
Care

• CREATES
• The framework for a new voluntary, high-quality
  universal early education program
• Research-based standards
• Accountability via strong child assessment
  program measurement

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What Can Business Civic Leaders Do?

• Join the Campaign
• Contribute expertise for economic policy
  analysis
• Participate in legislative advocacy
• Connect EEA with HR staff to engage your employees

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www.earlyeducationforall.org
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January 11, 2006