The following articles and reports document research on brain development and the economic benefits of investing in young children and their families.
Cost Savings Analysis of School Readiness in Michigan, Wilder Research
Science, Policy and the Young Developing Child, Jack Shonkoff, M.D.
Early Childhood Interventions: Proven Results, Future Promise, RAND Corporation
Tough Choices or Tough Times, National Center on Education and the Economy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, PreK-12 Education Policy Declaration
There are many organizations around the state and nation conducting important research about early childhood and advocating for public policies that support the health, development, and early education of young children.
Organizations Based in Michigan
High/Scope Educational Research Foundation
High/Scope Educational Research Foundation is an independent nonprofit research, development, training, and public advocacy organization with headquarters in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Here you will find long-term effects of the Perry Preschool Project, including results from the 40 year study of the community benefits of high quality early education. You will also find the evaluation of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program for four year olds.
Michigan’s Children
Michigan’s Children is a statewide, independent voice for children and their families. It works with lawmakers, business leaders and communities to make Michigan a place where all children have the opportunity to thrive.
Michigan League for Human Services
The Michigan League for Human Services is a nonprofit, nonpartisan data-driven advocacy group for low-income Michigan residents. Here you will find the annual Kids Count report on the status of children in Michigan.
National Organizations
The Build Initiative
The Build Initiative is a multi-state partnership whose mission is to help each state build a coordinated system of programs, policies, and services that respond to the needs of families, carefully use public and private resources, and effectively prepare young children for a successful future.
Child Trends
Child Trends is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies children, youth, and families through research, data collection, and data analysis.
Harvard Family Research
The Harvard Family Research Project has helped develop strategies to promote the educational and social success and well-being of children, families and their communities.
I Am Your Child
I Am Your Child is a national public awareness and engagement campaign to make early childhood development a top priority for our nation. I Am Your Child has educated millions of parents and professionals about the new discoveries in brain development and the critical importance of the first three years of life.
Institute for Research on Poverty
The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) is a national, university-based center for research into the causes and consequences of poverty and social inequality in the United States.
MIT Workplace Center
The Center aims to develop theories and practices that further a mutually supportive relationship between the performance of firms and the well-being of their employees, their families, and communities. A recent report with Legal Momentum’s Family Initiative illustrates the return on investment of early education.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation’s largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade.
National Council on Family Relations
The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) provides a forum for family researchers, educators, and practitioners to share in the development and dissemination of knowledge about families and family relationships, establishes professional standards, and works to promote family well-being.
National Economic Development and Law Center
The National Economic Development and Law Center has undertaken an analysis of early care and education in states to demonstrate the importance of the early care industry.
National Institute for Early Education Research
The Institute supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research. A recent video shows how investing in preschool programs reduces social service expenditures long term.
The Ounce of Prevention Fund
The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Chicago invests in the healthy development of at-risk infants, toddlers, and preschool children. It uses an innovative cycle of family-focused programs, research, training, policy analysis, and advocacy to help young children succeed in school and throughout life.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization located in Washington, D.C., dedicated solely to advancing the healthy development of babies and young children. Founded in 1977 by top developmental experts, Zero to Three disseminates key developmental information, trains providers, promotes model approaches and standards of practice, and works to increase public awareness about the significance of the first three years of life.