Human Services News

RAND:

This commentary appeared in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on September 20, 2006.

Sixty-two percent of children under the age of 6 in Pennsylvania need care while their parents or guardians work.

In the near term, quality preschool can boost children's ability to learn and succeed in school.

In the longer term, the benefits can translate into substantial savings for government, taxpayers and businesses.

State efforts like the $6 million investment in Keystone Stars are designed to improve child care quality.

Pennsylvania legislators also are poised to pass standards for preschool programs that would require all teachers to have a bachelor's degree and a certificate in early childhood education.

Studies have found that students with quality preschool experience are more likely to enter school prepared to learn and to possess basic skills.

Care providers require training and certification; standards must be developed and enforced.

However, analysis has shown that investments in early childhood education can ultimately save money.

An analysis by RAND Corp. has found that savings range from $1.25 to $17 for each $1 spent on early childhood education, depending on the type of program.

Studies that have tracked students from preschool programs into adulthood show that early childhood education continues to pay off.

Reduced dropout rates and increased college entry rates result in more young adults who are ready to enter the workforce.

In Pittsburgh, PNC Bank launched a 10-year, $100 million initiative called "Grow Up Great" that focuses on advocacy, education, grants, volunteers and public awareness around early childhood education.

Dana Schultz is a social policy analyst in the Pittsburgh office of the RAND Corp., a nonprofit research organization.