CAUCUS: Early Learning

A Guide to Early Learning

Career and college readiness efforts frequently focus on ensuring high school students have the skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education or job training. However, the foundation of many skills needed for 21st-century jobs is established in the earliest years.

Early childhood education, particularly between ages 0-8, is essential for a child’s development of both cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Preparing our youngest students to learn provides a foundation for future success and helps them develop important skills such as self-discipline, persistence and cooperation–skills that are essential to their future success and a quality workforce.

  • Eighty-five percent of brain growth occurs by the time a child is three.
  • Participants in early childhood learning programs are 80 percent more likely to attend college.
  • High quality early childhood education programs increase employability by 23 percent.
  • Adults who attended early childhood programs earn 33 percent higher average salaries.

Florida’s global competitiveness depends on a quality education system, and for us, this commitment must begin early. Investing in high quality early learning can result in significant benefits.

Children Educated in Their First Years Are:

  • 50 percent less likely to need special education,
  • 70 percent less likely to be arrested for a violent crime, and
  • 50 percent less likely to become teen parents.

Resources

  • No Small Matter is a feature-length documentary film and national engagement campaign that brings public attention to this vital question by sharing powerful stories and stunning truths about the human capacity for early intelligence and the potential for quality early care and education to benefit America’s social and economic future

Early Learning Fast Facts on Child Language and Literacy Development Include Information on: 

    • Brain Development
    • Language and Early Literacy Development
    • Book Access for Children

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