USA Today – Alan J. Borsuk
“There is a generous supply of research that shows that high-quality early childhood programs for low-income kids have lasting benefits on academic success, behavior, and family life. A widely used figure is that the “return on investment” is $13 for every $1 spent. Early childhood is education’s off-off-Broadway show. A good example of what I mean is the way education issues are shaping up as Wisconsin’s budget season gets underway. Big attention is focused on the University of Wisconsin system. Bright spotlights shine on issues around kindergarten through 12th grade. And over there on the side, with almost no one paying attention, are the programs intended to help kids before they reach kindergarten.”(more)