Early Education Pays Off
Letter to Chicago Sun-Times - July 12 2009CeaseFire is just one example of a vital prevention program gutted by legislators in Springfield ["CeaseFire battles off-the-wall priorities," July 8]. As thousands of vulnerable families lose services, the state should address not only this year's budget disaster but also the systemic problems that lead to increased spending on social programs.
We need a frank dialogue about how to invest public dollars when budgets are tight. And research shows that the most effective investments we can make are in human capital development, most specifically in young children.
Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs for vulnerable children reduce teen pregnancy rates, crime and other social problems. If we fully invested in a statewide early childhood system, then we would not need to spend as much money on crime prevention, child welfare, remedial education and public assistance in the future. Yet public funding for all birth-to-5 services, including preschool and child care, is on the chopping block in the Illinois General Assembly.
During times of scarce resources, we need to spend our money wisely. By investing in effective prevention and early childhood programs, we can change Illinois to the benefit of all.
Diana Mendley Rauner, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Ounce of Prevention Fund