Reply #22: Here's some quick documentation

[Rose Siding]

http://jep.csus.edu/journal2003/paper7.htm

From academic to social success, preschool and quality child care is being touted as the answer to the student achievement gap and social maladjustments later in life. How can the answer be so simple? A research fellow at the Brookings Institute has concluded that quality preschool or child care experience is one of the most effective strategies for improving later school performance (Sawhill, 1999). This position paper underscores the need for universal preschool.
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The largest studies (Currie, 2000) conducted on the effects of preschool on children demonstrate how the participants greatly benefited from these early experiences. The Perry Preschool Project showed long-term gains in achievement tests, high school graduation rates, earnings and lower crime rates and welfare use. The Abecedarian Project also showed long-term gains in staying in school and attending a four year college. Lower incidence of special education was also a finding of this project, as well as, The Early Learning Project. Although effects have been more pronounced in disadvantaged children, all children benefited from early interventions. Recent brain research has demonstrated that the optimal age of interventions is between birth and three years, although slightly older children have shown benefits, also (Currie, 2000).
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I have to admit I was happily surprised when Florida got this one right. There is an inexplicable element that doesn't recognize the societal advantages of a quality education. Even if I don't have kids, I want the cashier to be able to make change. I want the EMT to know what to do when I call. And I want training for the pilot flying the plane.