The Children’s Trust: Study sheds light on long-lasting benefits of quality early learning
When your child is a baby, everything matters.
Every smile given and received, every moment of baby talk (and when they babble back), and every second someone sits with them and looks through a picture book — these all set the stage for a lifetime of growth.
As a director of programs at The Children’s Trust, I have had the privilege to witness the profound impact of quality early care and education programs on young minds, especially in the case of infants and toddlers. Scientific research has long echoed what we at The Trust have championed: A child’s early years are the critical foundation for their journey ahead.
Early and consistent
A recent study published by the Early Childhood Education Institute, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, has once again illuminated the importance of early learning, but with a critical difference: It finds that children need to be enrolled early in high-quality child care programs to reap the most benefits.
For decades, researchers have documented the benefits of early learning, but some of those benefits can fade. The new study shows that the earlier a child is enrolled in high-quality early learning, the greater chance those benefits continue indefinitely into elementary school and beyond.
Two groups of children under 19 months old were studied. Both received child care, but one group received “enhanced” child care, including teachers with college degrees who received consistent professional development and lower staff-to-child ratios. The group of children with high-quality child care outperformed the second group well into elementary school, even when both were in the same or similar schools.
The study underscores the cornerstone of The Children’s Trust’s philosophy of focusing on the indispensable nature of quality early-learning experiences.
That’s why we created our Thrive by 5 initiative that offers an innovative array of strategies that work together to ensure children in our community have access to high-quality care. Our supports intervene at the child, family, educator and program level for a comprehensive approach to child care quality.
Our Thrive by 5 Families Forward child care scholarships, an initiative in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe, support working families that cannot afford the high cost of quality child care.
Educators’ role
The university study’s revelations also amplify the importance of recognizing that early educators are essential workers. The Trust’s A$CEND early-learning educators salary supplement program is designed to increase staff retention, incentivize continued education and professional development, and recognize high-quality teacher and child interactions.
By providing additional support toward their professional development, we aspire to enhance the quality of care children receive during their earliest years.
Child care educators are more than just caregivers: They are critical to the economic and educational well-being of our community, which was demonstrated clearly during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Their role in fostering a conducive environment for learning and ensuring the safety of children has been a lifeline for working parents and other caregivers. The nurturing and stimulating spaces they create become the very foundation upon which a lifelong love for learning is built.
Recently, Miami-Dade County echoed this sentiment by hosting the Early Head Start Infant and Toddler Conference in late July. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava led the conference that gave insights and perspectives, emphasizing the pivotal role of high-quality early learning in shaping the future of our youngest citizens. The conference’s spotlight on empowering educators resonates deeply with The Children’s Trust’s mission. The mayor’s proclamation of July 27 as Child Educator Day was a deserved testament to the impact these educators have on our society.
Even with the documented benefits of early learning and efforts made to make programs accessible to all children in Miami-Dade, there are still those who resist early learning settings, even when it is made available. Many parents, including myself, battle cultural norms and even some guilt for not spending every moment with our growing children, which can cloud our judgment when it comes to entrusting them to a child care program.
The truth, however, is far more positive than some may think. In these early social settings, children gain a treasure trove of skills, even in the earliest stages. They develop social abilities, emotional resilience, and a curiosity that forms the bedrock of learning.
Investing in the earliest years of a child’s life is the best way to nurture a future generation of dreamers, thinkers and achievers. As we champion high-quality early care and education, let us remember that in the tender touch of these formative years is the key to giving our children the best chance at a fulfilling life.
Rachel Spector, MSW, is director of programs at The Children’s Trust and has over 25 years of experience in the field of early childhood development and early learning. For more information, visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org.