We characterize the early childhood years as "Ready to Launch." Good health and early learning experiences establish an essential foundation from which a child launches into the elementary school years.

Investments that work begin early and continue through higher education. The first of these building blocks begins with access to prenatal care – which  promotes healthy development, including proper brain architecture – home visiting, and parent mentoring on nutrition and health.

Home visiting refers to programs that send a nurse, social worker, parent educator, or paraprofessional to homes of parents who are expecting a child or have children ages 0 to 5. They target at-risk families and see a rate-of-return of $6 to ever $1 invested. Effects include improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased intervals between births, fewer childhood injuries, improved school readiness and increased maternal employment.

For children ages 3 – 4 access to quality childcare and part-time preschool helps to prepare them for success in the elementary school years. Programs such as the Chicago Child-Parent Centers provide intensive instruction in reading and math from Pre-K through 3^rd grade combined with frequent educational field trips and parent involvement.

Studies of this program and similar programs demonstrate long lasting benefits including a greater likelihood of attending a 4-year college,  lower rates of depression later in life, and less involvement in violent crime.

A strong start in life creates lasting advantages and prepares children for success. To learn more about cost-effective and promising interventions click here. 

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