Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org
Providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students.
Children in early childhood education programs are:
- Less likely to repeat a grade
- Less likely to be identified as having special needs
- More prepared academically for later grades
- More likely to graduate from high school
- Higher earners in the workforce
Access to effective, diverse programs breaks down structural barriers that have prevented all children–particularly children of color and children from disadvantaged families–from achieving their full potential.
Suggested Further Reading
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Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession
Power to the Profession National Task Force
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Impacts of Early Childhood Education on Medium- and Long-Term Educational Outcomes
U.S National Libary of Medicine
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Untangling the Evidence on Preschool Effectiveness: Insights for Policymakers
Learning Policy Institute
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