The early childhood years set the stage for later success in school and life, but at-risk children are less likely to receive the supports they need to prepare them for success.  Each year there are 10,000 live births in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.  3,500 of these infants are born into poverty.  Of the 3,500 born in poverty:

• Few will reach preschool or kindergarten ready to learn
• About one-third will not be able to read or do math at grade level by mid-elementary school
• Nearly half of this group will drop out of high school

High quality early childhood education is essential to success in life, from social-emotional and language development to success in school, reduction in crime and economic propserity.  In Douglas and Sarpy Counties, 17,783 children from birth to age 5 come from families of low income.  10,184 of these children are not served by state and federally funded programs such as Head Start and programs that accept working families utilizing child care assistance (Title XX).

Physical health, social development, motivation levels and home environment in the first 5 years of life are predictors of school readiness.  Longitudinal studies have shown lasting effects from high-quality early childhood education programs.  For example, children who receive high-quality child care demonstrate:

• Less grade retention
• Less need for special education services
• Lower dropout rates
• Less child abuse or neglect
• Lower rates of teenage pregnancy
• Less criminal behavior
• Less reliance on welfare as adults