Early Childhood Business Partnership

Partners for the Future of Washtenaw County: Early Childhood and Workforce Development

In today’s world, where education and skills determine future earning, the economic and social costs to individuals, communities, and the nation of not taking action on early childhood are far too great to ignore,especially when the benefits far outweigh the costs.
- The Business Roundtable and Corporate Voices for Working Families (2003)

Early Childhood is Workforce Development

The conventional view of economic development typically includes company headquarters, office towers, entertainment centers and professional sports stadiums and arenas. We argue that any proposed economic development list should have early childhood at the top. The return on investment from early childhood developmentis extraordinary, resulting in better working public schools, more educated workers and less crime.
- Art Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota

By investing in Early Childhood programs and education today weprepare the workforce for the coming 75 years, creating a strong foundation for innovation and prosperity in Washtenaw County. TheHigh/Scope Perry Preschool study showed that when children who received a high quality early childhood education are compared to a control group who did not, the ones who had quality preschool education had:

• A thirty percent higher high school graduation rate - amongwomen over twice the number graduated
• Higher median incomes as working adults - averaging more than$5,000 additional per year
• More home ownership
• Fewer arrests and incarceration for violent crimes (down 15%),property crimes (down 20%) and drug offenses (down 25%)

Quality Early Childhood invention works, and gives a huge economicreturn on investment - The High/Scope Perry Preschool study has shown a $16 return for every $1 invested.

In addition, investment in early childhood programs and education yields economic benefits today - young professionals are seekingcommunities where they can enjoy their work and nurture their youngfamilies - Let’s make Washtenaw County a place they want to be!

Links and Connections

These are some key resources - both business and early childhoodthat have made the case for the long term economic impact of qualityearly education, or that provide local early childhood services.

Business Roundtable - An association of CEO’s of leading U.S.companies with $5 trillion in annual revenues and nearly 10 million employees.

Committee for Economic Development - independent, nonpartisan organization for business and education leaders.

Families and Work Institute - A nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies the changing workforce, the changing workplace, the changing family and the changing community.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis - One of twelve regional reserve banks that together make up the Federal Reserve System

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation - Independent nonprofit research, development, training and public outreach organization.

Brain Growth and Development

“The early years of life matter because early experiences affect the architecture of the maturing brain. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all ofthe development and behavior that follows -- and getting things right the first time is easier than trying to fix them later.”- FrameWorks Institute

Investment in early childhood programs and education is investment inour children’s brains: (source: Born Learning, United Way of America)

• 90% of the brain develops in the first 5 years.
• By the age of 5, many children in high-risk environments are already developmentally behind. This gap only grows over time –undermining school readiness and success in life.
• Kindergarten teachers estimate that 1 in 3 children enter the classroom unprepared to meet the challenges of kindergarten.
• Some 46% of kindergarteners come to school at risk for failure.
• The poorest children start kindergarten 1-2 years behind in language and other skills important to school success.

Yet, despitethis knowledge,we continue toinvest less atthis critical time- putting oureconomicfuture at risk.

What you can do!

Participate in Community Collaboration

You can get directly involved to support early childhood education by joining the Washtenaw Great Start Collaborative an organization of business, governmental, educational and non-profit leaders who meet on a bi-monthly basis to shape and direct early childhood policy and actions within Washtenaw County.

To join contact Christie Taylor.

Promote the Importance of Early Childhood Education

Within your workplace, plant or office, you can ensure that themessage about the importance of the first six years is heard by your colleagues and employees. You can:

• Hang posters regarding early childhood education and programs near water coolers, vending machines and in waiting areas.
• Encourage employees to participate in early childhood programs and agencies - as volunteers and as parents.
• Adopt an early childhood program for focused volunteer efforts, such as reading to children, playground and room improvement ordonation of books and clothing.
• Share company expertise, talent and skills, such as accounting skills, management training, public relations, construction ability and others, with the early childhood world.
• Be aware of policies impacting young children and their families; communicating your concerns and ideas to policymakers and governmental representatives
• Provide in-kind support, such as copying, faxing, mailing or printing assistance to local early childhood organizations.

Participate as a Board or Advisory Member for an Early Childhood Nonprofit

Join the Board or Advisory Board of a local early childhood nonprofit. Throughout the community they are seeking the skills and knowledge that you have.

Call Christie Taylor if you would like help finding the right match for your skills and interests.

Share Key Child Development Information with Your Workforce

With the help of Washtenaw Success by 6 you can distribute child development and parenting information to your entire staff on a regular basis. We have materials available to you free of charge.

Call Christie Taylor to discuss how you can participate in this.

Make Your Voice Heard Throughout the Community

In the organizations that you are part of - places of worship,chambers of commerce, service clubs and social groups - share the early childhood message, stressing the importance of the first six years of life, and encourage others to educate themselves and get involved.

Participate in Fund Raising for local Early Childhood Nonprofits

Fund raising occurs throughout the year and includes the United Way Campaign, community events like the Big House/Big Heart Run, and individual organization events.