Carol’s Summary:
A recent study found, by the age of 40, children who did not attend preschool were twice as likely to be arrested for a violent crime as those who did attend preschool. The study also found children who did not attend preschool were more likely to be enrolled in special education programs in K-12. Last year, the Bay area spent $1.5 billion on special education programs compared to $117 million spent on preschool programs. Investing in early childhood education pays and the more toddlers are learning in school and out, the better off they are for school, career and life success.
In California, local police chiefs and legislators are taking a preventative stance by pushing for state funds to be directed into preschool programs instead of paying for incarcerated juveniles and adults later down the line. The problem Contra Costa County faces now is there are 3,500 low-income children on the preschool waiting list for a center that serves 231 low-income children. Adjusting out expectations for children under five could make a difference not only in their lives, but in our future economy and society.
Article: Well-funded preschool programs reduce crime, report says
CONCORD — One dollar spent on preschool today could save $16 in special education and crime-related expenses over the long term, according to a report released Tuesday.
Read full article at: contracostatimes.com
