Research shows that early childhood educational and development efforts are critical for helping children enjoy health, confidence and success later in life. The following resources offer more information about the value and societal benefits of a commitment to early childhood education:

The Heckman Equation 

Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman is the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at The University of Chicago and an expert in the economics of human development. His recent work has proven that the quality of early childhood development heavily influences outcomes for individuals and society.
The Heckman Equation 

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child 

Drawing on the full breadth of intellectual resources available across Harvard University’s schools and affiliated hospitals, the Center on the Developing Child generates, translates, and applies knowledge in the service of improving life outcomes for children in the United States and throughout the world.
Harvard University Center on the Developing Child 

 

You can get involved in matters that you care about. Learn more about issues affecting children and families, and contact your legislator with questions or concerns.
 

• Early Care and Education Consortium 
• Find Your State and Federal Legislators (Visit the site and enter your Zip Code)
• U.S. House of Representatives 
• U.S. Senate 
• State Legislature Web Sites 

 

Through the VIP Visitor Program KinderCare encourages public officials to spend time interacting with children in our centers, and their teachers, to foster a greater understanding of the value of early childhood education while enriching the lives of the children we serve. VIP Visits can also give parents an opportunity to meet and speak with their elected representatives about the issues they care about most.

The VIP Visitor Program is one of several ways that KinderCare advocates for support of early childhood education, ensuring that high-quality early childhood education is a top priority for the people who shape state and national policy affecting our children and families.