Action Steps for Business Leaders - Updated for 2021

Access to Early Childhood Education Yields Lifelong Results and Prosperity

Business leaders understand that investments in early care and education support the healthy development and school readiness of children. At the same time, it promotes employee stability and catalyzes business and community economic growth. For over 50 years CED has been at the forefront with our Trustee business leaders advancing such investments and policies. Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman's most recent research found that significant gains for children are realized through better outcomes in education, health, social behaviors, and employment. In fact, every dollar spent on high-quality, birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children delivers a 13 percent annual return on investment. The economic benefits of the additional wages earned by parents with access to high-quality care paid for the cost of the program after five years. The business sector can help support engagement in developing regional solutions as outlined in our Action Steps for Business Leaders.