Child care subsidies merit federal support

Quality early care and education are not only good long-term economic development strategies for communities, they will generate economic activity today for Long Island businesses ["Cuts in early child care will cost more later," Opinion, May 10].

According to America's Edge, a nonprofit business organization, investments in quality early learning will generate as much or more in new sales as investments in construction, manufacturing, transportation or utilities, while creating much-needed jobs. In fact, it is estimated that every dollar invested in early learning will generate $1.86 in total sales for New York businesses.

Quality early learning will also help us ensure we have a workforce with the 21st century skills businesses need. Children who participate in high-quality early learning programs are significantly more likely to enter school with the underlying skills needed to succeed. Quality programs can increase language skills, increase adult rates of employment and increase graduation rates.

Given the positive, short-term impact early learning has, I too urge New York's congressional delegation to maintain or, if possible, improve upon the funding levels for federal programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant in the upcoming year's budget.

As a parent and volunteer youth leader, I am very concerned about giving our children every edge we can to help them grow and prosper.

David G. Hunt, Plainview
 

Anne Michaud made an effective case that early childhood education is a vital and cost-effective investment. Research has demonstrated that society gets back about $16 for every tax dollar spent on early care and high-quality early education programs, as exemplified by several positive outcomes: reduced grade repetition, fewer special education placements, lower rates of felony arrests, higher lifetime earnings.

The 600 police chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors who call themselves Fight Crime: Invest in Kids have been joined by many other groups, including Seniors4Kids, representing seniors, and Docs for Tots, representing medical professionals. Young children must have us, caring adults, advocate for their needs in both the short and long term. Investing in pre-K education is a winning strategy for everyone.

Stephanie Freese, East Meadow

Editor's note: The writer is an independent educational consultant for Seniors4Kids, a volunteer advocacy group.