Invest in Education

UNESCO believes that investing in high quality early childhood education is good business and establishes a strong foundation for success in school and in life. A growing body of research builds the case that investment in high quality early education will lead to a more educated, qualified, and talented workforce that will help Wisconsin better compete in a global economy. Why should taxpayers want to invest their dollars in quality early education for every child whose family wants it?

The research is clear that it helps children succeed. That’s one reason. But there is another that is very important but less well known. That reason is this: it makes financial sense. Tax dollars invested create economic development in communities now, and save money for years to come. Investing in early education generates economic development for communities in the short run in the form of jobs, the purchase of goods and services, and a more efficient workforce. In the long run, quality early education builds an employable, educated workforce. Children who receive quality early education arrive at school ready to learn and they do better in school. They need fewer costly special education classes. They are more likely to graduate from high school and to hold jobs. They are less likely to be on welfare. And they are significantly less likely to wind up in the courts and in the jails—and costing taxpayers a fortune.