Forty years of research shows that children receiving high quality early education are more likely to be prepared for and do better in school; graduate high school; attend college or job training; and have higher earnings.    Research shows that for every $1 invested in quality Early Education $7 is saved in special education, public assistance and lost taxes.

Families need to be aware that there are many distinct components of what makes an Early Care and Education program a quality program.  Staff-child ratio, rich meaningful interactions, qualifications and stability of the staff, use of Learning Standards for Early Childhood and curriculum and assessments that are aligned to Standards just name a few.

The information included in this section can help families in their search for quality care.

High-quality early childhood programs

produce children with better school

readiness skills and yield substantial longterm

benefits, including higher graduation

rates, fewer school dropouts, less need for

special education, and less crime.