Building our future:

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Building our future
Right from the start
a community initiative funded by a grant through
Kansas Action for Children
2
Investing in our smallest assets.
In the past, researchers believed that genes were
the main determinant of brain development. Now,
an increasing number of studies have proven that
INTERACTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS during a childs
early years birth to age five permanently
INFLUENCE BRAIN ARCHITECTURE. Research tells us
that early learning environments have a direct
impact on a childs ability to succeed in school
and in life. An investment now in quality early
learning environments will realize
bothSHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM RESULTS for our
community and our economy.
3
Rethinking brain development.
Birth
6 years old
14 years old
As this depiction of brain synaptic density
shows, the CRITICAL WINDOW for establishing
neural pathways is before age 6
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Rethinking brain development.

• Studies on child brain development now show
• Brain development relies on both genes and EARLY
  EXPERIENCES
• Experiences from 0 to age 5 have most influence
  on LIFE CYCLE of the brain
• Early experiences DETERMINE HOW THE BRAIN IS
  WIRED
• At age three, the brain is TWICE AS ACTIVE as an
  adult brain
• Until age 10, a childs brain has twice as many
  synapses as an adult brain
• Early experiences decisively impact the extent
  of adult BRAIN CAPACITY

Source Vancouver Board of Trade Task Force on
Early Child Development and Child Care
5
Rethinking brain development.
Early experiences have a DIRECT IMPACT on a
childs brain development and, therefore, the
ability to succeed in school and in life.
Source Dr. Harry Chugani, Childrens Hospital of
Michigan at Wayne State University
Brain activity ina healthy child
Brain activity ina neglected child
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Children who are ready for school are ready for
life.

• Quality early learning programs provide children
  with
• A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING now and as adults
• Ability to INTERACT WITH PEERS and FORM
  RELATIONSHIPS
• IMPROVED SCHOOL GRADES, test performance and
  graduation rates
• CONFIDENCE and a sense of COMMUNITY BELONGING
• Tools to manage stress and meet EXPECTED
  CHALLENGES of life
• Effective LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION skills
• Ability to focus attention and TAKE DIRECTION

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Children who are ready for school are ready for
life.
Improved academic outcomes
Outcomes for children who participate in quality
early learning programs prove significant.
66
49
45
34
15
15
At or above10th percentileat age 14
Special educationneeds
On-time graduationfrom high school
Source Perry Preschool Project
8
Children who are ready for school are ready for
life.

• Research shows additional benefits of quality
  early learning
• 44 less likely to repeat a grade (Maryland)
• 41 less likely to require special education
  services (Chicago)
• 29 more likely to graduate from high school
  (Chicago)
• Improved literacy and math performance on
  standardized tests (Michigan)

Sources Chicago Longitudinal Studyand Yale
University Child Study Center
9
Investing from the start will pay off in the end.
Long-term research shows that the return on
investment in quality early learning programs is
significant. For every dollar spent on early
learning, the community will receive upwards of
4 in return.
The return rates
17
7.10
6.93
Sources Abecedarian Project, Elmira PEIP,
Chicago Child-Parent Centers and Perry Preschool
Project
4.01
10
Investing from the start will pay off in the end.

• How will we see those returns?
• Increased LITERACY and high school GRADUATION
  rates
• More graduates likely to PURSUE A HIGHER
  EDUCATION
• Reduced rates of CRIME, DRUG USE and TEEN
  PREGNANCY
• Next generation that is PREPARED FOR THE
  WORKFORCE
• Enhanced QUALITY OF LIFE for families in our
  community

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Investing from the start will pay off in the end.
Research shows access to quality early learning
programs results in better economic outcomes for
participants and communities.
Improved economic outcomes
36
29
29
14
13
Source PerryProject
7
Never onwelfare as adult
Earns 2,000per month
Owns theirhome
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Investing from the start will pay off in the end.
Reduced crime rates
Communities further benefit through reduced crime
rates and reduced criminal justice costs.
6.7
3.9
Source Perry PreschoolProject
2.1
1.2
.6
.4
JuvenileOffense
FelonyOffense
MisdemeanorOffense
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What can we do in our community?

• Your text goes here

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For more information.

• Kansas Coalition for School Readiness
• www.kansasschoolreadiness.org
• Kansas Action for Children
• www.kac.org
• Kansas Health Foundation
• www.kansashealth.org