– Neuroscience has found that a vast majority of the human brain is developed during the early years. On the other hand, two out of five American children are not enrolled in any preschool program. According to numbers provided by the National Center for Children in Poverty, in the United States alone, more than 10 million kids under six live in low-income families, which represents 45 percent of all kids in this age group.

– By age four, children living in poverty are experiencing academic difficulties and are on average 18 months behind their more advantaged peers. In a vicious circle, for example, reading problems often turns elementary students into failing middle school students and then high school dropouts. For their part, children who attend high-quality early learning programs begin kindergarten ready to learn, with an advantage that has positive effect over the long term. There is huge evidence that high-quality early learning programs – at home or in preschool – are essential for a child’s successful and happy life.

Alan & John (ChildUp.com)

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