February 14, 2025

Opinion: Change when, how to offer early education support

2 min read

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Supply backlink Early education is a cornerstone of a successful future for many children in the United States. However, the way in which this support is delivered is often inadequate. Recent research has revealed that current early education efforts are reaching only a fraction of those who could benefit from them, and even then, the quality of care and instruction provided is lacking.

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed an expansion of these services, including an addition of five new early childhood education programs. While these proposed programs could provide much needed support for the underserved, it is unclear if they will directly target the same vulnerable populations that need it most. Furthermore, the cost of these programs typically falls on the shoulders of the states and individual families, leaving many unable to access the services they need.

In order to ensure that early education services are fairly accessible to all children, there must be a shift in the way these services are structured and provided. For instance, public-private partnerships should be explored to lower the cost to states and families. In addition, the focus should be on the quality of the services being provided, rather than the quantity. Quality instruction that can truly support a child’s development should be prioritized in order to ensure that children from all backgrounds can benefit from early education.

The lack of access to quality early education services is a persistent problem in the US. However, research has demonstrated that investments in early childhood education yield significant economic, health, and educational benefits for children in the long term. It is essential that policy makers take steps to ensure that young children seeking early education services have access to quality care and instruction regardless of ability to pay. It is only through protective policy and program changes that young children from all backgrounds can receive the early education they need to produce the brightest of futures.