Childhood programs need state’s support

Ann O’Leary writes for San Francisco Chronicle, June 16, 2013 (registration required)

Helping young children in need once was considered only a moral issue; now it is an economic imperative for our state and the country to mitigate the pernicious and long-lasting effects of childhood poverty. Studies on successful early education programs show that the return on investment is anywhere from $7 to $13 for every $1 spent. These savings are seen in more productive citizens, less crime and reduced rates of teen pregnancy— along with the increased earning power that reduces the chance of poverty later in life.