If you care about the economic security of your neighbors, the local job market, and the future vitality of the Durham community, you care about very young children. Early childhood lays a foundation for the future. As a community, we have to commit to investing our resources and attention to the critical years of birth to age 5 to ensure children are prepared for success in school and life.
Economists and researchers from leading universities tell us what happens in the earliest years impacts children’s futures and the quality and quantity of human capital (competent working people) in the later years. High school drop-out rates, crime, poverty, underemployment and joblessness stem in part from a lack of support in the early years. By learning how you can be a Champion for Young Children, you can help to ensure the Durham community is the best place to learn, work and live.
As we plunge ahead into the 2012 North Carolina Legislative Session, we want to invite you to visit champions4youngchildren.net to access the latest tools and action alerts on issues affecting young children and their families.
Keep up with early childhood issues on the Smart Start NC Children’s blog.
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