Thoughts on Early Childhood Funding Sources

There is a great deal of conversation about the importance of children participating in quality early childhood programs.  The research has shown us that there are long term benefits for the children, their families, their communities and our society as a whole.  The positive outcomes are undeniable. 

The problem lies in the fact that so many agree, but so few seem to be willing to make the financial commitment to make it happen for our children.  I think that a viable solution is to have highly qualified educators, or even school systems, form partnerships with businesses (who themselves can partner together so no one shoulders the entire burden) in their communities to develop quality early childhood facilities which are implementing quality programs.  In this scenario everyone benefits--businesses in the short term obtain tax breaks, school systems obtain some funding assistance in preparing children for success in school, and young children receive a strong foundation for future learning.  Ultimately the entire community wins!

Local businesses need to understand the benefits of them investing in quality education for young children.    There are short term and long term financial gains for them.  In the short term they can obtain tax breaks.  In the long term, the children for which they help provide a quality early childhood education end up being potential employees that are better prepared to enter the work force and be successful.  These children will be less inclined to be retained, be recommended for special education, need remediation and be involved in crime--- and more inclined to be well behaved, positive about school and learning and obtain higher educations.  The return on their investment can be huge!