America is currently facing a silent crisis: Early-childhood care and education in this country are underfunded to such an extent that the ultimate repercussions seen in society may be irreversible. Crime and incarceration rates will increase, along with the continuation of the cycle of poverty and an even greater decrease in our workforce, ultimately causing a major shortage of contributing members in our society.
In 28 states, including Delaware, infant care costs the same as or more than undergraduate tuition. This trend of educational inequity continues throughout a young child’s most important developmental years, and this issue requires acknowledgement by our governmental leaders. This means more funding for the early-childhood industry as a whole, recognition of the importance of early learning and interventions, and investing in high-quality learning environments for our children, as well as the early-childhood educators that make this all possible.
With only a small percentage of the government-provided United States educational spending allocated to early-childhood care and education centers, the programs that are currently in place are not able to meet a child’s developmental and learning needs. Quality centers are essential to assist in the development of executive functioning skills and neurological growth.
As a teacher in a preschool and childcare facility I can tell you the bottom line is this: We must invest more now, so that we can reap the benefits in the future. I urge you to write to Gov. John Carney and express your support for early-childhood care and education, as well as help underline the importance of increased funding and governmental supports in this field. Together, we can change the future of Delaware’s society.
Other contacts:
Angela Russo
Newark
