Excerpts from the presentation:
- Current research in brain development tells us that the first five years are crucial in setting the stage for lifelong learning.
- Experts have demonstrated a strong link between participation in quality child care settings and subsequent success in school. These positive effects can last well into adulthood
High quality child care programs:
- Employ staff who are well-educated for their work;
- have decent working conditions and wages;
- work with groups of children of manageable size;
- provide non-didactic, creative, enjoyable, age-appropriate activities for children;
- ensure consistent adults and peer groups;
- offer stable social and physical environments;
- responsive to diverse populations of children and parents;
- include children with disabilities in a meaningful way; and
- are adequately supported by infrastructure like regulation and stable funding.