Why Is Early Childhood So Important?

Research shows that the first eight years of a child’s life are the most important. This is when children need the most support for their bodies, minds, and spirits to grow. Starting even before birth, children need a strong base of support for the rest of their lives.
Our world will be better if our youngest children have the support they need to do well. When we give children strong support from the start, they are more likely to have a good future. More of them will do well in school. They will do better as adults and be less likely to get into trouble. And they’ll be more likely to have healthy minds and bodies. That will be good for all of us.
Not all children have the same chances to do their best. Too many children have poor schools and health care. Some don’t even have a safe place to live. There are families of every race who don’t have enough money to live on. And people of color still bear the burden of unjust treatment. Unfair policies affect all of us. We must give our children equal chances to learn and give back to their communities. When we do that, we all win. Some people today are trying to give our youngest children a stronger start. Already, some parents, families, schools, businesses, faith communities, and social service agencies are working hard to make a difference. But as a society, we can do better. We must do better for everyone’s sake.

- Strong Starts for Children, A Guide For Public Dialogue and Action

Everyday Democracy www.everyday-democracy.org