Support State Funded Comprehensive Early Education

Support of Fully-Funded, comprehensive public Preschool and Kindergarten Education Programs

I support a fully funded, comprehensive early education program; based on decades of research that consistently demonstrates their vital role in fostering long-term positive outcomes for children.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

For over 60+ years, research has shown that the early years of life are critical in shaping a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. This is a time when the brain undergoes rapid growth and the foundation for learning, behavior, and well-being is set. Studies indicate that children who attend quality preschool and kindergarten programs perform better academically, experience higher rates of high school graduation, and are more likely to succeed in stable employment later in life.

Key Findings from Over a Century of Research

1. Academic Success: Numerous studies have shown that children who attend preschool or kindergarten are better prepared for the academic challenges they will face throughout their schooling. The famous Perry Preschool Study(1960s), one of the longest-running longitudinal studies, demonstrated that children who attended preschool showed higher academic performance in elementary and high school compared to their peers who did not. These children had better reading and math skills, were more likely to graduate from high school, and went on to attend college at higher rates.The Abecedarian Project (1972), another landmark study, found that children who attended an intensive preschool program had stronger academic skills in reading and math, which persisted through adolescence and into adulthood.

2. Social and Emotional Development: Preschool and kindergarten also contribute significantly to social and emotional development. Early education programs teach children essential social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution. A study by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) found that children in high-quality preschool programs demonstrated better social skills, including the ability to work in teams and regulate their emotions.

3. Long-Term Economic Impact: The long-term financial benefits of preschool and kindergarten education are substantial. Research from Heckman et al. (2010), led by Nobel laureate James Heckman, showed that early childhood education provides a return on investment far greater than most other types of education interventions. The study found that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, there is a return of $7 or more due to better educational outcomes, improved health, and reduced crime.

4. Workforce Stability and Income: Children who attend preschool and kindergarten are more likely to grow up to secure stable employment and earn higher wages. The Perry Preschool Study also found that adults who had attended preschool were more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and have stable jobs compared to those who had not attended. These individuals also experienced lower rates of incarceration and dependency on social welfare programs.According to the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, high-quality early childhood education is a key predictor of long-term job stability and social participation, particularly for children from low-income families who may otherwise face additional barriers to success.

5. Reduction in Educational Inequities: Early childhood education programs are especially crucial for children from low-income families, who may not have access to enriching home environments. The Head Start Impact Study(2010) demonstrated that children from disadvantaged backgrounds who participated in Head Start— a nationwide preschool program—made significant gains in early literacy and numeracy, helping close the achievement gap that often persists throughout their educational careers.

   
   

Best Practices for Maximizing Benefits

To ensure these long-term benefits, it is essential that preschool and kindergarten programs adhere to best practices in early childhood education:

• High-Quality, Well-Structured Programs: Research highlights that the quality of the preschool or kindergarten program is paramount. This includes well-trained teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and engages children in meaningful learning experiences.

• Family Engagement: Best practices also include strong family involvement. Engaging parents in their child’s education leads to better outcomes. Programs that support parental involvement and offer resources to parents have been shown to be more effective in preparing children for school.

• Comprehensive Services: Integrating services such as nutrition, health screenings, and social-emotional support further enhances the effectiveness of early childhood education programs. A holistic approach addressing all aspects of a child's well-being contributes to academic and lifelong success.

The research overwhelmingly supports the value of investing in preschool and kindergarten education programs. These programs provide children with the foundational skills needed to succeed academically, economically, and socially. They are essential in promoting long-term positive outcomes, including stable employment, higher income, and active social involvement.

The Danger of Discouraging Early Education: A Path Toward Radicalization and Social Disengagement

In addition to the overwhelming academic and social benefits of early childhood education, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks of failing to provide these essential programs. Historical and contemporary studies have shown that authoritarian or fascist regimes often seek to limit access to quality education, including preschool and kindergarten programs, as a means of maintaining control over populations.

Fascist Modalities and the Suppression of Education

Radical ideologies, particularly those that lean toward fascism, have historically sought to curtail education as a means of controlling populations. The goal of such regimes is to limit critical thinking, promote ignorance, and create an environment where citizens are more susceptible to radicalized beliefs and fear-driven behaviors. This fear—whether related to race, ideology, or perceived threats—becomes a tool for maintaining political power.

For example, the fascist regimes of the early 20th century, including Nazi Germany, the degradation of the Afghanistan Democracy in the 1970’s,  and Mussolini’s Italy, sought to suppress progressive educational programs, particularly those aimed at empowering marginalized communities. In such systems, education was often manipulated to promote a singular ideology and discourage critical thinking, stifling the intellectual and emotional development of children. The lack of early childhood education was not merely a matter of missed academic opportunity but a deliberate choice to limit access to the tools that allow individuals to question authority, engage in critical discourse, and advocate for their own rights.

The Role of Early Education in Countering Radicalization

Quality early childhood education programs serve as a direct countermeasure to such authoritarian goals. Preschool and kindergarten education equip children with the skills necessary to think critically, understand diverse perspectives, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. They foster empathy, emotional regulation, and social skills—qualities that not only support academic success but also contribute to the development of responsible, active citizens who are less likely to be drawn into radical or extremist ideologies.

Fascist, authoritarian and anti-democratic regimes that seek to limit or discourage early childhood education are undermining these crucial qualities. By depriving children of the opportunity to develop strong social and cognitive foundations, they increase the likelihood of social disengagement and a population that is more easily swayed by fear and misinformation. Fear of "the other" or a focus on external threats is often used by authoritarian leaders to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Without early education programs that promote tolerance, empathy, and understanding, children are left more vulnerable to such divisive ideologies later in life.

Fear and Ignorance as Tools of Control

Furthermore, without early childhood education that teaches problem-solving and critical thinking, fear and ignorance can flourish. This makes individuals more susceptible to extremist beliefs and less likely to question authority or challenge harmful ideologies. The failure to educate young minds also leads to social disengagement. When people lack the tools to engage meaningfully with society, they may retreat into isolation, unable or unwilling to contribute to the collective well-being.

Countering Social Disengagement through Early Education

In contrast, high-quality early childhood education serves as an antidote to this trend by promoting a culture of curiosity, open-mindedness, and inclusivity. By ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to these programs, we are helping build a society that values education, engagement, and democratic participation.

A well-educated population is more likely to resist the divisive, fear-driven tactics employed by authoritarian or radical groups and more likely to work together toward a peaceful, prosperous society.

The investment in early childhood education is not just about improving academic performance—it is about shaping the future of our democracy. By encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and social participation from an early age, we are ensuring that future generations are equipped to resist fear-driven radicalization and social disengagement.

Education is, after all, one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our societies from the divisive forces of ignorance and extremism.