Investing in Early Childhood

The Business Connection

Early Childhood Development is an economic/business development issue.

• Economic Development is tied directly to workforce development.
• Up to 35% of the current workforce will be retiring in the next twenty years and their replacements are learning how to walk and talk right now. Brain research tells us that cognitive and social development is at its peak while the child is still in diapers.
• 69% of the current workforce has children less than 6 years of age. Their productivity is directly linked to the safety and health of their children.
• A community’s business climate is tied to prosperity of the community. People choose to work, shop, and play in a community that is compatible to their life styles and supportive of their families’ well-being.

Investment in Early Childhood Development

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis presented a cost/benefit analysis on early childhood development interventions such as well staffed pre-kindergarten programs, early literacy programs, parent education and support, and home visitation show a remarkable return on investment.

Businesses can invest in early childhood development in many ways that will enhance their operation instead of distracting from it:

• Employee Assistance Programs – include referrals to Early Childhood Development Specialists.
• Consider flexible work schedules for parents of small children.
• Offer pre-tax child-care benefits.
• Deliver child development information to employees through company newsletters, pay envelopes, or break-room speakers.
• Support public policy initiatives to support early childhood development.
• Support an Early Childhood Resource Center for all community members
• Join the Great Start Initiative

Planning for the future of our children now and making the investment in preschool and childcare programs will realize the immediate gain of better work attendance and quality of work performance by the parents of these children.

We urge the business communities of Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon Counties to join the Great Start effort by:

• Understanding the issue
• Supporting the initiative
• Assisting with the development of a long-term strategic plan for our Multi-County Region.

For more information about Kids Great Start contact:

Amy Hesse
Great Start Collaborative Administrator
Phone: (989) 275-6709