Giving Compass' Take:

• Cary Lou and Gina Adams explain how better data and understanding of their citizens can help educators and policymakers improve early childhood education. 

• How can philanthropists help key actors get the information they need to make decisions about early childhood education?

• Learn more about public preschools. 

Children’s early years are crucial, as rapid brain development takes place from birth to age 2. Mental connections made even before birth through kids’ first few years provide the foundation upon which later cognitive development is built, and enriching and toxic environments and experiences can have long-term consequences for children, their families, and society at large.

Policymakers and educators must ensure that young children get what they need for a strong start and target services to kids who might need extra supports. Low-income children, children of color, children of parents with lower education, and children of immigrants are more likely to face challenges that undermine their development and to face barriers in accessing services and benefits that can help them succeed.

Programs such as home visiting; Early Head Start; the Child Care and Development Fund; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; and Preschool Development Grants (PDG) aim to ensure that young children can reach their full potential by providing care, enrichment, education, nutrition, and other resources they and their parents need during this crucial developmental period.

But states and communities need better data to understand the characteristics and needs of infants and toddlers and their families to tailor these programs so they target and reach the children who need them. Knowing more about the babies and toddlers in each community—such as how many there are and key characteristics about their parents and family situation—can help local leaders develop, improve, and apply for programs and resources that benefit the infants and toddlers living there.

Read the full article about improving early childhood education by Cary Lou and Gina Adams at Urban Institute.