We Have an Opportunity Gap
All parents know that raising children is not easy, and all parents need support from time to time. Children deserve to grow up in a loving, nurturing home and have the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.  But even in this generous community, far too many of our children are missing out on that opportunity.

There are more than 46,000 children in Kent County under the age of five. One in five is living in poverty —that’s nearly 10,000 of our youngest children.  For children of color, the numbers are even more alarming.  Approximately half of African-American and Hispanic children live below the poverty line.

Growing numbers of our children are already one or two years behind on the first day of kindergarten. Studies show children who start behind are likely to stay behind.  The achievement gap only grows wider as they get older.

The Early Years are Critical
Children are born ready to learn.  What they learn as babies and toddlers directly affects what they’re able to achieve when they are older.

The brain is not fully developed at birth, and the first few years are critical.  Children have the capacity to learn more by their 3rd birthday than during any other time in their life.  This is when they learn how to think, solve problems, cope with stress, be creative, and communicate.

Source: Newsweek Special Edition, 1997

Much has been learned in recent years about how the architecture of a child’s brain is formed.  Science tells us brains are built from the bottom up, with simple circuits and skills providing the scaffolding for more advanced circuits and skills.  Genes provide the architectural blueprint for the brain, but early relationships and experiences guide how the brain is built.

Prolonged and persistent stress harms the developing brain architecture, jeopardizing a child’s future success.  That stress can come from tension in the home, economic hardship for the family, neglect, or abuse.

We can help build healthy brains by providing young children with nurturing, stimulating experiences.

Getting It Right Early Costs Less
“Invest in the very young.”

That’s the advice of Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman.

An investment in a child’s early years can lead to better success in school, higher graduation rates, a better-trained workforce, and higher earnings.

When communities devote their resources to young children they can save money in the long run:  fewer students repeat grades or need special education services, and ultimately, fewer adults commit serious crimes or are unemployable.

A RAND Corp. analysis found the return on investment can be as high as $17 for every $1 invested, with a more typical return of between $2 and $7.

First Steps joins the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the Council on Economic Development, military leaders, and law enforcement in advocating for an increased investment in young children.