Economic Development Starts at Birth

On March 8^th, approximately 120 people gathered at the College of San Mateo, The Theatre, to hear Nobel Laureate economist and University of Chicago Professor James Heckman speak about his studies that prove there are great economic gains to be had by investing in early childhood

development.  Heckman's argument was part of a talk entitled "Building a Productive Workforce and Strong Economy from Birth" made possible via live stream from First 5 Monterey to First 5 San Mateo County and First 5 Commissions statewide.  The event also featured Debby Armstrong, First 5 San Mateo County Executive Director, local politicians and supporters of early childhood education.

After winning the Nobel Prize for Economics, Professor Heckman set out to determine why our workforce was falling behind other countries, jeopardizing the nation's present and future economic security.  He zeroed in on how well America developed its most precious resource --her people.  What he found dramatically changes the way America should look at the human and economic potential of its children. 

From birth to age 5, the brain develops rapidly to build the foundation of cognitive and character skills necessary for success. Early childhood education fosters cognitive skills along with attentiveness, motivation, self-control and sociability - the character skills that turn knowledge into know-how and people into productive citizens.

Every child needs effective early childhood supports.  Disadvantaged families are least likely to have the economic and social resources to provide the early developmental stimulation every child needs as a basic opportunity for future success in school, college, career and life.  Poor health, high school dropouts, poverty, crime - America will continue to create costly social burdens if it fails to relieve the developmental burden of disadvantage among children.  

Heckman's overall message was, "to create a successful workforce, our county must start investing in children before they are 5. Comprehensive early childhood development provides children and their families with the resources for early nurturing, learning experiences and physical health that lead to future success, breaking the cycle of disadvantage."

"Families teach children many things in forming character and important life skills.  We need for politicians to understand that the base skills needed for success are more successfully formed before children have entered school," said Heckman.  Click here for information on the Heckman Equation and to watch a video about the economics of human potential.  

Supervisor Don Horsley spoke about how as a sheriff, he saw an overwhelming number of inmates that were illiterate and that now as a First 5 Commissioner, he understands that the lack of quality early childhood education is directly linked to youth that don't have the proper tools they need, so they get into trouble and end up in jail. 

Ted Lempert, president of Children Now and a member of the San Mateo County Board of Education talked about the need to shift early education to local control.  Before that can happen, quality requirements, such as benchmarks for early education, need to be put into place which will take several years to accomplish.  Lempert urged attendees to show support for education, by signing up for Children Now.

Assemblyman Jerry Hill addressed the role and responsibilities of legislators and how the proposed budget cuts gives the impression that California is abandoning a generation. Investing early in children will help our state now and in the future.

Assemblyman Rich Gordon said it is important for adults to work together to stand up for children.  "Preschoolers never come to talk to me in the capitol. And so, others need to do it for them. We all want our children to succeed; there's no question about that. We know how important, critical it is to have children growing into maturity that is positive and productive. And we all know the consequences when children don't have that opportunity," said Gordon.   "We know if children don't enter kindergarten prepared, they are always going to be behind."

Preparing those children requires others to work together; he said adding it is "imperative" that this work be done.

The presentation was attended by educators, community agencies and business leaders.   Click on the link below to view Professor Heckman's presentation and personal notes.  

Professor James Heckman's March 8, 2012 Presentation 

(Sources: Heckman Presentation, march 8, 2012; The Heckman Equation; Chonne Sherman)