According to the Association for Supportive Child Care, almost 1 in 3 young children in Arizona live in poverty. More than half of low-income children are not prepared for kindergarten. That is not only a tragedy for the present; it means their, and our, future is at risk too.
Because the majority of children who start behind, stay behind. They are less likely to be ready for kindergarten or to read at grade level during elementary school; they have more behavioral issues; they have higher high school dropout rates; and without their diploma, their economic prospects are dimmed.
There is a “golden ticket” that addresses these issues: early childhood development and education programs. In fact, according to James Heckman, winner of the Nobel Prize, every $1 invested in quality early childhood programs generates a return to the community of up to $16.
When children have access to these programs, they are more likely to graduate, compete in our global economy and contribute to the community.
That’s why, together, we have promoted early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness through programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and KinderCamp™. We have underwritten supported programs that increase access to quality childcare and preschools and funded initiatives that give caregivers the resources, tools and training needed to support their child’s educational journey.
Please join us on this mission to improve our future by assisting those who will ultimately shape it – our children.
