In a discussion on NPR about the cost benefit of early childhood education, it was pointed out that worldwide studies conclude that every $1 spent on early childhood education returns $7 to $8 to the economy, more than paying for itself. The major gains come from increased income taxes and spending from households in which a parent is freed to work, and the lowered social costs and economic gains from better educated and socially developed children.
Sweden was pointed out as having an excellent program, open to all children age 1 and above, staffed by degree-holders in child development, and paid for by parents on a sliding-income scale but free for low-income parents.
This is a perfect example of the myopic viewpoint of our federal government when legislators claim we cannot afford spending on so-called social welfare programs. The fact is that this is not spending ? it is investing resources in developing an early childhood education program that not only provides enormous benefits to our nation but more than pays for itself over time.
Congress, just do it.
