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Many State Policies Ignore Research on Healthy Child Development |
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National Center for Children in Poverty: In advance of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's summit on early childhood development, the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP), has released a new report, State Early Childhood Polices: Improving the Odds. "For young children to thrive, they need high-quality health care and early learning experiences, as well as nurturing parents who are economically secure," said Dr. Jane Knitzer, report co-author and Director of NCCP. Research has proven that early childhood development has lifelong consequences, and that without support, low-income families struggle to provide the basic necessities their young children need to thrive. But economists have shown that smart investments in young children yield long-term gains. In short, early childhood policies can make a difference. Poverty and economic hardship are root causes. Only 15 states provide access to both health insurance and child care subsidies for a family of three earning about $35,000 per year---the minimum it takes for a low income family to cover basic costs. Between 2001 and 2006, health insurance eligibility levels were either stable or increased in most states, while 33 states reduced eligibility for child care subsidies, despite the fact that most low-income women work. "Decades of scientific research have taught us that a child's first few years establish the foundation for good health and educational attainment," said Helene Stebbins, a co-author of the study and president of HMS Policy Research. Translating research findings about early brain development and sound economic investments into policy requires leadership and foresight. The earliest relationships and experiences shape early brain development, which in turn affects the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
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