Early Childhood Initiatives

Armed with an array of research showing the long-term benefits of early childhood education and intervention, progressives believe in the need for expanded pre-school programs and better access to mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat behavioral and problems. Improving educational opportunities and mental health services for Ohio’s youngest residents will result in higher academic achievement, reductions in foster care and juvenile detention and long-term savings in Medicaid.

Our goals include:

•Improving access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds.
•Expanding all-day kindergarten to include every child.
•Universal assessment, screening and direct service for social and emotional problems for children ages birth to six years in Ohio.
•Increasing utilization of appropriate health services and supports.

The benefits of comprehensive care and quality pre-school have been recognized by professionals for many years. A growing body of research suggests that children who attend quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland projected a return on investment of universal preschool in Ohio. Kids who attend high-quality preschool are less likely to need costly special-education programs, repeat a grade, commit juvenile crime and need public assistance, the study found. It concluded that for every $1 spent on preschool in Ohio, the state would see a return of $1.62.

A separate study, done by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, showed that behavioral and mental health problems that are diagnosed and treated during a child’s early life result in higher academic achievement, reductions in foster care and improvement in speech and language development.

In recognition of such research, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school health programs include school-based mental health services.

LIBRARY:

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, “Should Ohio Invest in Universal Preschooling?’’.

National Institute for Early Education Research, state-by- state guide.

Early Literacy, Policy and Practice in the Pre-School Years.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Policy Statement, School-Based Mental Health Services.