A decade’s worth of data focusing on the gains made by investing in early childhood education was studied by Dr. James Heckman, a Nobel Prize winning laureate who is a professor of economics at the University of Chicago.  His research found that “The basic skills needed for success are formed before children enter school.  Investing early helps to prevent the achievement gap; and investing in our most disadvantaged children provides the greatest returns.”  He stated that “Starting at age three or four is too little too late, as it fails to recognize that skills beget skills in a complimentary and dynamic way.  Efforts should focus on the first years for the greatest efficiency and effectiveness.”

Everyone knows how important the family is to the well being of children.  The Heckman Equation found “Families play a powerful role in shaping child outcomes. …absence of supportive family environment harms child outcomes.”

Infants: Where Are You? – Lay infants face up on the blanket and sing to them using the “Where is Thumbkin?” tune. “Where is (use the name of the baby?) 2x’s There you are, (point to baby) 2x’s How are you today, very well I hope so.  Want to (laugh/tickle/kiss?) 2x’s.”  This activity helps to develop a positive self- image.

Dr. Heckman stated “Measured abilities are the outcome of environmental influences.”  He believes that we should “Nurture early development of cognitive and social skills in children from birth to age five.”

Toddlers: What Do You Want? – When a child points say, “You are pointing to the banana.  Do you want a banana?  This is a banana.  Do you want a piece of banana?”

Whenever the toddlers point, describe what they are pointing at.  This helps them to identify the items quickly and aides in their language development.

Professor Heckman found hard evidence that “Early learning confers value on acquired skills, which leads to self-reinforcing motivation to learn more and early mastery of a range of cognitive, social, and emotional competencies makes learning at later ages more efficient and therefore easier and more likely to continue.”

Preschoolers: Chalk Pictures – This activity can be done inside or outside on a blacktop.  Inside tape a large sheet of brown paper on the floor and put a container of colored chalk nearby.  Have the children to make pictures on it.  Describe what they are doing.  Let them invite other children to help them.  This encourages language development.

Irma Arteaga is an assistant professor at the Truman School of public Affairs at the University of Missouri.  Her study “Found that low-income children who spent two to six years in the program had higher rates of high school graduation, fewer criminal arrests, reduced instances of substance abuse, and earned more money than children of the same age who did not participate…”

America’s economic development starts at birth – and that our economy is only as healthy as our investment in the healthy development of children from birth to five.

(James Heckman)