The Importance of
Early Childhood Development
“High-quality childcare gives children the opportunity to learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.”
Investment in Early Childhood Programs Will:
Improve the health of families and save healthcare dollars
Reduce child abuse and neglect by as much as 80%
Improve school readiness and reduce special education costs by an estimated 50%
Reduce the incidence of grade retention and improve graduation rates
Increase workplace productivity of parents and reduce the need for public assistance
Expand earnings potential of families and reduce crime
(Statistics from a recent Pew Center Report, The Cost of Disinvestment: Why States Can’t Afford to Cut Smart Early Childhood Programs.)
487
Number of children under the age of 18 in Leelanau County that live at or below the poverty level.*
$6,794
Average annual cost for childcare for a 4-year old in Michigan.
20%
of Leelanau County homes identified as ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed by earning less than the basic cost of living) households.
Leelanau County Students Who Qualify for Free or reduced school lunch
How Can We Support young children in our community?
Recognize the keen importance of social emotional development as the foundation for all later learning.
Vote! Select representatives who will support early childhood services.
Be a support voice for children and families.
Volunteer: at Leelanau Christian Neighbor’s Baby Pantry, the Leelanau Laundry Project, community preschools and childcare centers.
Reach out to friends and neighbors with information - grassroots advocacy.
Donate to early childhood programs:
Parenting Communities of Leelanau County
https://www.facebook.com/PCLeelanau/Leelanau Christian Neighbor’s Baby Pantry
https://leelanauchristianneighbors.org/services/baby-pantry/
Child Care America asks a common question: Why do parents spend so much on child care, yet early childhood teachers earn so little? The average cost of child care is out of reach for many families and rivals college tuition, while early educators are among the lowest paid workers in the country.
Summary
Leelanau families need affordable, high quality child care for their young children. Access to high quality child care can ensure that young children are building the foundation they need to succeed in school and life.