those first 2000 days
early childhood education is critical to future success
The advocates for early childhood education may surprise you. Admirals and generals, big corporations, small businesses, and law enforcement professionals are leading the way. They see the bigger picture because they’re feeling the impact. Too many kids are growing up without the skills they need to serve their country, maintain good jobs and stay away from illegal activities. Evidence has proven that the first 2000 days is where the solution sits.
The human brain is the only organ in the body that is not fully developed at birth. The first five years of a child’s life is when the brain establishes it’s foundation for understanding how life works. We’re not just talking about a love of learning that helps them be successful in school. This is when they learn how to interact with other people, recognize boundaries, govern their emotions, communicate, collaborate and problem solve. This is when your child’s self-esteem is first determined – a lack of self-worth can debilitate a person for life.
We encourage you to advocate for early childhood education as a matter of a national security, economic prosperity and safer communities. Here are some facts to consider:
- 71% of 17-24 year olds in the US are not eligible to serve in the military due to a lack of high school diploma, poor physical condition (obesity) or a felony conviction
- Almost 25% of high school graduates in NC who take the Armed Forces Eligibility Test score too low to be allowed in the military
- China has invested in early childhood education as a top national priority
- 80 to 90 million American adults – roughly 50% of our workforce – do not have the basic education and communication skills to acquire a job or advance in their job
- Almost half of NC employers reported deficiencies in critical thinking and problem solving abilities among their employees. 60% reported gaps in communication skills
- In 2012-13 there were 619,940 children ages 4 and under in NC – around 12,370 in Johnston County. The budget for early childhood development for the entire state was $266 Million
- In 2012-13, there were about 37,000 inmates in NC prison systems. The budget for corrections was $1.38 BILLION
- Just a 5% increase in the HS graduation rate for male teenagers would reduce prison costs by an estimated $152 million a year
- Children who do not participate in a quality preschool are 5x more likely to become chronic criminal offenders by age 27
Birth To Five
Did You Know?
Nobel Laureate James Heckman’s research proves that money spent on early childhood development – from prenatal care through age five – has the bestreturn on investment in helping human beings become healthy, capable and self-sustaining.