Remarkable Research Consensus on the Positive Impact of Quality Early Care and Education

by | October 25, 2016

Home 9 Early Care and Education 9 Remarkable Research Consensus on the Positive Impact of Quality Early Care and Education ( Page 15 )

“Last year, more than 1,200 researchers signed a consensus statement describing in some detail what quality early care and education looks like and why it’s a sound public investment” wrote W. Steven Barnett in a recent National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) newsletter.

The ECE Consensus Letter for Researchers is based on a wide body of research in education, development psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and economics. They concluded that quality early care and education produces better education, health, economic, and social outcomes for children, families, and the nation.

Signatories include a “Who’s Who of Early Childhood Research”, including Katherine Magnuson (UW-Madison), James Heckman, Jack Shonkoff, Steve Barnett, Barbara Bowman, Arthur Reynolds, Craig Ramey, Greg Dunson, Deborah Phillips, and Ellen Frede.

pre-school
Here are some of the key findings related to quality early childhood education (ECE) agreed upon by the researchers:

  • Quality ECE can reduce the achievement gap.
  • Access to quality ECE is essential.
  • Quality ECE develops the whole child.
  • Quality programs include health and home.
  • Quality program can be brought to scale.
  • Quality programs produce quality life outcomes.
  • Quality ECE benefits children from diverse family backgrounds and circumstances.
  • Investing in quality early childhood education pays off.
  • Critics of greater investment ignore the full body of evidence.

A 2013 report, Investing in our Future, played a key role in developing the research consensus.

Dave Edie
Early Education Policy Analyst

Join us to build a Wisconsin where every child and family thrives.

Donate Now

Recent

K-12 Education in the Fox Valley

K-12 Education in the Fox Valley

by | May 9, 2023

Every student in the Fox Valley region deserves to receive the educational support and resources needed to help them achieve a bright future. Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant impacts on students in Wisconsin. These challenges were particularly acute for students who were more likely to be struggling prior to the pandemic, like students with lower incomes, students of color, and students who speak English as a second language. With federal pandemic relief funds drying up, state leaders must ensure schools have adequate resources and that students don’t fall even more behind.

Early Care & Education in the Fox Valley

Early Care & Education in the Fox Valley

by | May 9, 2023

Every child deserves a solid foundation in life, regardless of income. Affordable and accessible early care and education ensures that parents can get to work and sets children up for a strong start. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how child care is critical for children and families and why early care and education providers are an essential part of our local communities and a thriving economy.

Sign up for Emails

Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.