Programs provide investment return

Regarding recent guest commentaries about investing in early education: I serve as chair of the House Early Learning and Children's Services Committee and as a member of the National Working Group on Early Childhood Science and Policy based at Harvard's Center for the Developing Child.

In my years in the Washington Legislature, I have spent considerable time studying the effects of quality early learning programs on child development. It has been proven, time and again, that early education programs provide not only positive developmental outcomes, but a great return on investment.

While the Perry Preschool Study is perhaps the most impressive evidence of the effectiveness of high-quality early education, research specifically on Head Start also demonstrates its positive long-term effects. A national randomized control trial of Head Start showed that it cut the achievement gap nearly in half for pre-reading skills between Head Start children and the national average for all 3- and 4-year-olds. Other studies have demonstrated Head Start's long-lasting effects, such as increased high school graduation rates, reduced crime, decreased grade retention and decreased special education placements.

Increased investments in high-quality early education are essential. While Head Start is an effective program, increased investments would make it even stronger by raising teacher qualifications, enhancing curriculum standards, and expanding home visiting and interventions for children with behavioral problems.

I am in complete agreement with the views expressed by Sheriff John Lovick, particularly his statement that by "including these essential investments in children as part of our recovery efforts, and by not cutting state funding for early care and education, we can help stem the tide of an economic recession, cut crime in our communities and offer our children the brighter future they deserve."

We must continue our commitment to increasing the availability of high quality early learning programs in Snohomish County and throughout the state. Our future depends on it.

Ruth Kagi
32nd District Representative
Lake Forest Park