NCJ Number
195821
Date Published
1997
Length
106 pages
Annotation
Arguing that early childhood education is critical to securing the Nation’s future economic position, this report suggests that States should support large investments in educational programming for young children.
Abstract
Discussing the importance of early childhood education in providing future members of the Nation’s workforce with solid skills, attitudes, competencies, and behaviors, this report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, highlights legislative efforts to expand the early care and education of young children. After a detailed discussion of the role that a State’s public policies plays in early childhood care and education services, the economic effects of early education and early education’s influence on the workforce are discussed. Following a comprehensive discussion of the ways that early childhood education sets the stage for success in future schooling, this report addresses how early education may also help prevent youth violence and crime. Connecting early childhood education and early health care, the authors make a push for States coordinating these two services. Through addressing issues of regulating the quality of available childcare, improving childhood services welfare, and reforming family support programs, the authors argue that State policies of supporting children and their families will increasingly be seen as empowering families to raise the productive and self-sufficient citizens of tomorrow’s workforce. Appendix, notes