Leelanau Prosperity
“When we talk to companies about relocating their business to the area, the ‘quality of the education system’ and whether or not we have an available ‘quality early education program for preschoolers’ is of prime interest. In many instances it can be the competitive advantage over other locations.”
Doug Luciani, former CEO of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of the Leelanau Children’s Center
Prosperity may not come to mind when thinking about early childhood, however it might be just the right word. Thriving, flourishing, successful - this is how we describe our aspirations for the local economy, and how also we might describe our vision for the children of Leelanau County. Of all the investments communities make to promote the prosperity of their citizens, investments in early childhood offer the greatest potential to make a positive difference both now and in the future. Investments in early childhood development helps create prosperous, healthy, vibrant communities.
What Does Northern Michigan Need Most?
Traverse City Ticker, August 4, 2019
“What are the most pressing needs within the entire five-county area? The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation believes it now knows, after an extensive, months-long study. It’s ambitious Community Needs Assessment has outlined three “Priority Areas of Opportunity:” education and schools, teens and young adults, and health/mental health.”
In education space, Alison Metiva, Vice President of strategic engagement for the Community Foundation, says “a key focus will be early childhood education. In 2013, 40 percent of children in the five-county region were not “kindergarten-ready.” In Kalkaska County alone, that figure was at 59 percent. Those issues contribute to problems later on: 50 percent of students in the five-county region are not reading proficient by the end of third grade, and the area’s high school graduation rate is eight percentage points below the national average.”
The full article is available here.
Photo courtesy of the Leelanau Children’s Center
The Regional Impacts of Investments in Young Children
The evidence is clear. The results are real and compelling. Investing in early childhood is one of the most substantial steps the region can take to strengthen business, improve schools, expand economic opportunities and move the Grand Traverse Bay area forward.
Economic Case for Investing in High Quality Early Childhood Programming
Investments in high quality child care not only provide incentive for a parent to remain in the workforce and alleviate the effects of poverty, but also help to contribute to the development of the future workforce. As summarized in the two documents linked below, research conducted by Dr. James Heckman, Nobel laureate and Professor at the University of Chicago, provides much evidence on the economic and societal benefits of comprehensive early childhood programming beginning at birth.
Read more about Dr. Heckman’s ground-breaking research at https://heckmanequation.org
Poverty in Paradise
Between the shores of two Great Lakes, two Michigans are pulling away from one another, says Bridge Magazine. For one, graceful summer homes rise on waterfronts, equipped with boats, tubes and toys. For the other, life is lived in trailers on back roads, or small houses tucked into the woods. One comes north in May and enjoys a summer of festivals, fun and restaurants dining. The other Michigan...
The Paradox of Early Childhood Care and Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear that early childhood care providers are essential for the nation to return to work. Yet, we are seeing in real time how the current system puts childcare providers in a Catch-22, forced to choose between working in a low-wage, high-risk job or stay home with their own children and face potential financial ruin. It is a challenging paradox.