Global competition is intensifying, and the burden of debt on the next generation has skyrocketed. For the country to flourish, we must prepare our children to thrive.
Evidence indicates that investing in children during their earliest years yields high economic returns. The Partnership for America's Economic Success is a national coalition using this evidence to mobilize business leaders to improve tomorrow's economy through smart policy investments in young children today.
While public health initiatives and other laws have reduced lead exposure among children, lead poisoning poses a threat to some at-risk groups. Even low levels can lead to significant neurological damage, resulting in cognitive and behavioral problems, later health problems and even criminal activity. This paper by Elise Gould of the Economic Policy Institute finds that the benefits of abatement far outweigh the costs; every dollar spent on controlling lead hazards returns between $17 and $221 in health benefits, increased IQ, higher lifetime earnings, tax revenue, less spending on special education, and reduced criminal activity.
Click here to view the executive summary, or for the full report, click here.
The Partnership for America’s Economic Success, which is managed by The Pew Charitable Trusts, has two job openings: a project manager for outreach, to help engage business leaders as champions for young children; and a senior associate for communications, to translate and convey our message on the economic benefits of investments in young children. Both positions are in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.Pewtrusts.org.
The opportunity to invest in a proven strategy that produces large returns is not easy to come by. One such strategy, however, is investing in the healthy and successful development of young children. In an op-ed piece published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on June 14, Rob Dugger, Advisory Chair of PAES, discusses the importance of this important opportunity in Ohio.
Developmental and Economic Effects of Parenting Programs for Expectant Parents and Parents of Preschool-age Children: Good parenting is not just good for kids, it's good for society. Kids who arrive at school cognitively and socially behind represent future societal burdens. This study by Sharon McGroder and Allison Hyra explores the impacts of a range of parenting education programs and their short- and long-term gains for families and society.
Child Health and Young Adult Outcomes: Understanding the impact of major childhood health problems is central to understanding how investments in early childhood preventive health measures can produce economic benefits to society. Research by Janet Currie and colleagues suggests that many physical health problems in early life are significant predictors of future adult outcomes. An executive summary is also available.
Long-run Economic Effects of Early Childhood Programs on Adult Earnings: A new methodology developed by researchers from Columbia University and the University of Wisconsin-Madision link improvements in children's early health, achievement and behavior, as well as early parenting, to improved adult labor market outcomes. An executive summary is also available.
The Hidden Costs of the Housing Crisis: Long-Term Impacts on Young Children of Housing Affordability, Stability, and Quality: Discussions about the current housing and foreclosure crises often fail to discuss their hidden victims – young children – and, thus, fail to capture both the immediate and long-term economic costs for the nation of insufficient affordable and safe housing. This new report from PAES sets out the various ways that housing affordability and quality affect children, and thus our collective future. A research brief is also available.
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The Partnership for America’s Economic Success has been funded by:
Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Robert Dugger, George Gund Foundation, Horace Hagedorn Foundation, Paul Tudor Jones, Ohio Children's Foundation, Peppercorn Foundation, PNC Financial Services Group, Scholastic, Inc., Schott Foundation for Public Education, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts