Why Invest in Pre-K?
Louisiana is a state that has consistently had poor outcomes for its children. It was ranked 49th in the nation by the 2007 Kids Count Data Book for overall child well-being. Fortunately, one of the positive efforts underway to improve the lives of our children is the growing pre-k program that has shown great promise in providing high quality education to an increasing number of the state’s youngest children.
A child’s most important brain development occurs before age 5, and a child’s early experiences are critical to learning throughout later life. Studies have shown that high quality pre-k programs increase a child’s chances of success in school. Children who attend high quality pre-k are less likely to be held back a grade or need special education, and they are more likely to graduate from high school. They also have higher earnings as adults and are less likely to become dependent on welfare or involved in juvenile delinquency or crime.
Pre-K Improves School Performance
Political leaders from both parties advance pre-k as a proven school-reform solution. Children who begin school behind typically remain behind. Children who do not recognize their letters when they enter kindergarten have significantly lower reading skills at the end of first grade, and a high percentage of children who are poor readers in first grade will still be poor readers in fourth grade. High quality pre-k programs give children the tools they need to begin school prepared to succeed.
Research indicates that children who attend high quality pre-k are more likely to perform better on 4th grade reading and math standardized tests. They are also less likely to be forced to repeat a grade and less likely to be referred to special education programs. Students who attend high quality pre-k are more likely to graduate from high school than their peers without this experience. These results translate into cost savings for the school districts and increased academic achievement and school success for the children.
More Responsible Adults
High quality pre-k helps prepare students for success in life, as well as in school. Studies suggest that children who attend high quality pre-k are less likely to commit a violent crime by age 18 and more likely to be employed as adults than their peers who did not attend pre-k. The social-emotional and academic foundation provided by high quality pre-k should be part of Louisiana’s long-term strategy to reduce crime and improve our communities.
Save Taxpayers’ Money
Economists, led by Nobel Laureate James Heckman, have concluded that investing in early education is one of the wisest investments a society can make. High quality pre-k has produced measurable economic benefits to cities and states nationwide. Studies have concluded that every $1 invested in high quality pre-k saves taxpayers up to $17. Pre-k results in savings by reducing the need for remedial and special education services, as well as welfare and criminal justice services. High quality pre-k yields long-term financial benefits.
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