Conventional wisdom as well as academic research has both
pointed to the importance of early childhood education. Currently about two-thirds of American
children-four year olds- attends preschools or other early education programs.
However, according to a recent report by the RAND
Corporation, American children lag behind their peers in other countries. A
recent article by Barbara Janta, senior analyst at RAND, noted “ the US is
alone among major Western democracies in its failure to invest in child care
for all.”( Rand Review Jan/Feb 2018). Janta’s research pointed to the success
of a recent program enacted by the government of Great Britain where childcare
is offered for free to working families. The program is costing the government
over $1 billion. According to her report, in the UK a couple earning average
wages can spend over 25% of their income on childcare. This new program can
certainly ease the burden. Janta cited studies conducted by Nobel Prize recipient
James Heckman that the success rate for pubic preschool programs has been undeniable.
Children who have participated in these programs have exhibited lower risk of deviant
behavior and have earned higher wages during their working careers. We in the US must strive for universal early childhood education and promoted the many benefits of such programs. For more information
about this issue, please read the current issue of the RAND Review.
c.2018 J. Margolis
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