Approximately 13 million U.S. children under the age of 6 (about 61 percent) are in child care, preschool, or some other form of early childhood education. Sixty-four percent of mothers with children under the age of 6 are now in the labor force (compared with 20 percent in 1960.)
The Benefits of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs
Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs help children-especially those from families with low incomes-develop the skills they need to succeed in school, including language, pre-mathematics and social skills.
However, most early childhood programs in the United States are rated mediocre, and fewer than 10 percent of programs meet national accreditation standards developed by NAEYC.
The Costs of Early Childhood Programs
Even for mediocre programs, the cost of child care and preschool around the country ranges between $4,000 and $10,000 per year, exceeding the cost of public universities in most states. The price of infant care is even higher. Yet nationally, only 1 in 10 children who are eligible for public child care subsidies are getting any assistance.
Teachers in child care, preschool and other early education programs earn between $7.86 and $9.66 per hour on average-less than hairstylists and garbage collectors, and less than half of the average wages for kindergarten teachers. As a result of low wages and poor benefits, most centers and programs have an annual turnover rate for teachers and staff between 30 and 40%
How You Can Help
Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and that federal, state and local government, communities, parents and businesses all have a role in helping young children make the most of these opportunities.
If we invest in our young children and families, we will reap great benefits. If we fail to make this investment, we will pay a higher price in the future, through higher rates of educational failure, increased delinquency, lowered productivity, and fewer adults prepared to be effective, loving parents to the next generation of children.
If you want to make a commitment to our children and our future, you must speak out! Go to the Children's Champions Action Center (www.naeyc.org/childrens_champions) and learn more about ways to show our leaders that we want higher-quality early education opportunities for all young children.
From: National Association of Young Children
Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/5/179107