Florida benefits by investing in preschool programs
The foundation of a child's future success begins long before they enter a traditional classroom. High-quality preschool programs are one of the most effective investments we can make in our children, our workforce and our economy.
This legislative session, our state representatives have an opportunity to further enhance our state's commitment to this high yield investment by funding preschool for a full day.
Research shows Pre-K programs shape a child's cognitive and social development, setting the stage for lifelong learning and achievement. A study known as the Perry Preschool Project provides compelling evidence that children attending Pre-K have higher high school completion rates, increased college enrollment and better academic performance compared to those who did not attend Pre-K.
And the benefits extend well into adulthood: participants of the project were found to have higher employment rates and earnings, reduced criminal activity and better health outcomes in their later years. These findings underscore the lasting impact of early childhood education on an individual's life trajectory.
Beyond the classroom, the benefits extend to families, businesses and the economy as a whole: access to affordable child care allows parents to stay in the workforce, reduces absenteeism for employers and strengthens the long-term labor market.
The escalating costs of child care have become a significant barrier for many families, often consuming a substantial portion of household income. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average annual cost of full-time child care in Florida for a four-year-old is $7,287.
This financial strain can lead to reduced workforce participation, particularly among mothers, thereby limiting family earnings, stability and economic growth. Employers also feel the repercussions of inadequate child care support which can contribute to employee turnover and decreased productivity.
The return on investment in early education is undeniable: Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman has demonstrated that every dollar invested in high-quality preschool yields an average ROI of $7 through increased earnings, reduced crime and lower reliance on social services. These savings benefit taxpayers and contribute to a healthier, more prosperous society.
Florida has made significant investments in early childhood education through programs like the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK), which offers free Pre-K to all four-year-olds in the state. This program aims to enhance children's readiness for school by focusing on foundational skills in literacy, math and social development.
However, the school year VPK program provides instruction for only three hours a day, leaving parents with a difficult choice: either pay for aftercare, which is often unaffordable, or forego employment opportunities so they can pick up their children in the middle of the workday and care for them.
As members of the ELC of Sarasota County Childcare Business Task Force, we believe that investing in full-day VPK – at adequate reimbursement rates – is not only beneficial for individual families but is also essential for sustaining economic vitality.
Affordable child care supports parental employment, enhances productivity and yields substantial returns that strengthen our economy. We call on our local delegation to prioritize funding for early education programs, including full-day VPK, in order to foster a robust future.
This piece was jointly authored by the following:
Sarasota County School Board Member Liz Barker
Ashley Brown, CEO, Women's Resource Center
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor
Sarasota County School Board Tom Edwards
Janet Kahn, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County
Brittany Lamont, CEO, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
Kirsten Russell, vice president/community impact, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Invest in Florida's preschool programs | Opinion
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