In a poll commissioned by Pennsylvania AEYC, Delaware Valley AEYC and Pittsburgh Area AEYC, results show overwhelming support for quality early childhood education, including support for continued government investment.

The most exciting result of the poll was not simply WHAT the 650 voters surveyed believe in; namely, quality early childhood education and that government should help to fund that education but also WHO the voters are that believe in quality early childhood education.  These results showed support across ALL of Pennsylvania from the largest major cities through the rural geographic "T" including Scranton-Wilkes Barre at 88%, Johnstown - Altoona at 81% and Harrisburg -Lancaster -York at 69%.  In addition to widespread agreement across geographic boundaries, the belief was shared across political party lines with approximately seven in ten conservatives (70%) favoring quality early childhood programs, with nine in ten self-described liberals (92%) and moderates (88%) also expressing support.  For more details, read the poll report. 

Is it surprising to find that Pennsylvania voters strongly believe that quality early childhood education should be a top priority for our elected (and to be elected) officials?  Well, not if you know the facts. 

What are the facts, you ask?  Quality early childhood education has proven long-term economic benefits including budgetary savings through:

•  reductions in criminal activity
•  reductions in remedial education
•  reductions in high-school drop-out rates

Quality early childhood education also reaps the highest rate of return of any social investment. For every dollar invested over two dollars are put back into the local economy.

Economic benefits certainly aren't the only important outcomes.  We know that by age five, about 90% of our brains are developed. Essentially our children's early experiences will affect their brain development and learning for life. The circuits for key functions such as vision/hearing, language, and higher cognitive function develop most in the first five years of life. The creation of these circuits is affected by a child's early learning environment.  Quality early childhood education offers positive developmentally-appropriate learning environments with highly qualified teachers and stresses the importance of family connections.  Quality early learning sites work with families to provide the best care and education for a child.

Many of us also know through the smiles, hugs, laughter, curiosity, moments of understanding and exclamations of "I did it!" that quality early learning opportunities make a difference. 

Pennsylvania voters have the potential to make a difference for children.  You've heard the facts about quality early education; now take the time to learn the facts about the candidates running for office in your area.  Ask questions, and find out if your vote will count for kids.