NC Early Childhood Initiative featured in National Report

A recent report issued by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, titled “Ready, Set, Go! Why Business Should Support Early Childhood Education,” reveals the tremendous impact that early childhood education has on America’s future economic success.

The report, funded with the help of the Pew Charitable Trust and Knowledge Universe, focuses on early learning as an investment in workforce development by supporting policies that offer high-quality, evidence-based learning programs. Additionally, the report provides promising practices of successful early childhood education initiatives throughout the country, including North Carolina’s Smart Start initiative, administered locally by the Randolph County Partnership for Children.

The first five years are the most critical in the development of a child’s brain, and investments in high quality early learning programs during these formative years produce positive outcomes through adulthood. According to the report, children who receive quality early education are less likely to be involved in criminal activity or be arrested; less likely to rely on welfare and other social services; less likely to have children out of wedlock; and more likely than non-participants to earn more, own a home, or own a second car, stimulating economic growth.

“It is absolutely vital that our local business leaders support high quality early childhood education in our community. We must think long-term. Investments in our young children today will provide Randolph County with a valuable, skilled workforce and ensure our economic success in the future,” says Bonnie Renfro, Partnership board member and president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.

The report also provides a step-by-step guide local businesses may use to support and invest in early childhood education in their communities.

To read the full report, visit http://icw.uschamber.com.