Young Kansas Children Living in Poverty

Sixteen percent (16%) of Kansas children live at or below the federal poverty guidelines (). Poverty is a risk factor which can significantly delay the healthy development of young children. Hart and Risley, in their landmark research "Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children." demonstrated the impact of poverty on language development. For more information, visit the National Center for Children in Poverty web site at www.nccp.org. Demographics on Kansas children in poverty can be found here.

The Benefits of Quality Early Learning Experiences

A growing body of research documents the benefits to society of quality early learning experiences for young children. Dr. Jack Shonkoff of Harvard University in "The Science of Early Childhood Development: Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do," argued that the promotion of healthy child development is an essential social investment to secure sustainable economic productivity and a viable democratic society.

Federal Reserve economist Rob Grunewald calculates the cost/benefit ration of early childhood investment in "Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return." This article can be found here.

Head start aligns favorably with the quality early learning programs cited in these and other research studies. It addresses the cognitive, physical and socio-emotional needs of young children, while at the same time promoting healthy family development and self-sufficiency. Studies describing the impact of Head Start can be found here.

Research on the benefits of Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers is available here.

Raise Your Voice for Children and Families
Check out the Power Point presentation attached below (PLCC-Presentation.ppt) from the Kansas Head Start association accompanies a presentation that answers the why, when, how and what about raising your voice in support of early childhood education.