Investing in Early Childhood Development: Reduce Deficits, Strengthen the Economy

Early childhood education programs--especially those aimed at under-resourced communities--are some of the most effective investments a community can make to reduce disparities and strengthen the economy. This report shows that early childhood development directly influences economic, health, and social outcomes for individuals and society. Adverse early educational environments reduce future productivity and increase social costs, both of which are ultimately cost the public dearly. Early childhood programs are most effective when they target children of disadvantaged families from birth to the age of five.