The results have already been used by the legislature, state agencies, and local groups. For example, the legislature recently created the new Department of Children, Families, and Learning to better coordinate family and child programs, improve program flexibility, enhance local decision-making, and improve public accountability. National studies also demonstrate the importance of quality environments on the development of the brain. More specifically, full subsidy to mothers who pay for child care could increase the proportion of poor mothers who work from 29 to 44 percent, and that of near-poor mothers who work from 43 to 57 percent. The results suggest that affordable child care is one of the decisive factors that encourage low-income mothers to seek and keep jobs.
Children learn from the time they are born, during every moment of the day.
Children who form strong, lasting relationships with a few attentive adults in safe, predictable environments are more likely to learn and develop the skills they need to succeed. Sixteen percent of children between the ages of 4-7 regularly spent time alone or in the care of a sibling under age 12. Results indicate that early childhood programs can have large and persistent benefits for children in terms of cognitive achievement and social outcomes. Specifically, research indicates that subsidized child care as an investment has successfully demonstrated that high quality early childhood education can prevent substantial future costs to society. Disadvantaged children who had attended a good preschool were more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and find themselves employed.