Chicago Parent-Child Centers
One of the most powerful studies that demonstrated the power of investing in quality early education is highlighted by The Ounce of Prevention Fund.
"Conducted by Dr. Arthur Reynolds of the University of Wisconsin, this study followed 989 students enrolled in the Chicago Parent-Child Centers until the children reached eighth grade, and a comparison group of 550 children who did not participate in the program. The study shows that young children who receive high-quality early education do better in school academically, are less likely to drop out of high school, less likely to be arrested, and less likely to repeat grades or be placed in special education services. What's more, the study shows that, in addition to the program participants’ increased earnings capacity, society saves over $7 for every $1 invested in preschool."Two Kinds of Returns
Just as there are two ways to preserve and build capital, there are also two ways to measure returns. The first is the quantitative: the money we can count, the GPA, graduation rate, incarceration rate, etc. In each of those areas, early investment shows a tremendous return. However, there is also a qualitative return on investment that is often overlooked. These children are real people who have families, dreams and feelings. An enormously important part of early education is nurturing the most essential of all relationships with parents, fostering healthy relationships with others, and good, purposeful dreams. Quantitative measurement is important, and early education shows outstanding returns. However, when you invest in a children and their families, you are not just putting money in the bank. You are investing in something that is growing - people, who have far greater contributions to make to their families and communities than can be measured in numbers.
