Early Childhood Education

Research shows that the return on investment in high-quality early childhood education from birth to age 8 comes in the form of higher educational attainment, earnings, and economic status as well as reduced welfare dependence and fewer arrests. High-quality early childhood education experiences have positive impacts on school readiness skills, especially for low-income children.

Midwest states are attempting to approach early childhood in a more systemic and comprehensive way. Despite challenging economic conditions, states continue to support giving more students access to high-quality programs.

The agenda of our Early Childhood Education Research Alliance is focused on understanding and improving the quality of early childhood education programs.