We have failed to ensure that all children have the nurturing and early education they need to succeed. In recent years we have learned a tremendous amount about the consequences of this failure. While early childhood experts have always stressed the importance of the early years, brain research has now underscored the paramount importance of the first years of life. We now know that an infant's brain contains 100 billion cells, the most brain cells a person will ever have. Parents know, almost intuitively, what research is demonstrating and are increasingly seeking early care and education for their young children.
Most people agree that successful welfare reform depends upon available, affordable child care.
Early care and education is also a growing industry that generates significant income in the form of increased tax revenues and the purchase of goods and services. In many cities regulated early childhood programs draw millions of dollars into the local economy and directly employ thousands of people. The economic expansion that is currently occurring in the United States has, in large part, been possible because of dual-income families. Given all of the findings cited above, it is not surprising that many states and communities are seeking new ways to invest in early learning and nurturing. The challenges are great.