Early learning program would pay for itself

If we as a people have a single obligation that transcends others, it is to provide our keiki with opportunity.

Youngsters with good beginnings have a better shot at success. National research and decades of work in Hawaii shows that high-quality early learning has lifelong impacts. The research shows early learning benefits not only the child but also society and reduces long-term public costs.

"Investment in education is investment in our future," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said when he identified early learning as a cornerstone of the New Day Plan for Hawaii.

Hawaii is one of 11 states with no state-funded early-learning program. This year, the Legislature will consider funding the first phase of a Hawaii program, which would ensure school readiness for late-born 4-year-olds. Starting in 2014, children must be 5 by July 31 to enter kindergarten.

The administration has requested $3.5 million for critical planning in fiscal year 2014 and $28.9 million in fiscal year 2015 to fund this first phase and serve about 3,500 4-year-olds. Families would enroll their children on a voluntary basis.

We’re proposing family co-payments based on sliding fee scales beginning with those with middle income. The program would be free for low-income families. Thus, children could attend programs that have contracts with the state, both public and private.

We want to build on the experience of our private sector, which has carried the weight of educating our young children for decades.

At full implementation, we wish to serve most of Hawaii’s 14,000 4-year-olds — the number we estimate would participate — starting at an annual cost of about $124 million. This would be a wise investment because for every dollar we invest in quality programs to get children ready for school, $4.20 is generated in future savings and increased earnings. There’s evidence of lower crime, less unemployment and less dependency on social services. Ultimately, an investment in early childhood development and learning saves taxpayer money. Dealing with potential problems at the front end makes more sense than dealing with them at the back end.

The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) is mandated to coordinate efforts on behalf of Hawaii’s young children — prenatal to age 5 — creating partnerships and aligning policies and programs related to health, safety and school readiness to ensure a strong foundation for young children.

Because we know that more than 85 percent of brain development occurs from birth to age 5, and that by age 8 the pattern for lifelong learning is set, it is imperative to give our keiki a solid head start. Our aim is for a community where each child is welcomed into the world and is surrounded by supportive families. Then, through early-learning and school-readiness programs, those children are healthy and able to take on the challenges of elementary school.

EOEL, established last year by the Legislature, has undertaken a careful, methodical course. Using the research and best practices of experienced programs across the country, we have developed an action strategy and a chart of developmental milestones that will help parents, caregivers and educators track a child’s development.

Research demonstrates that only high-quality programs are effective in producing positive outcomes for children, so we are establishing standards to which its participating providers must adhere.

From the outset, EOEL has marched forward with the community. Early last year, we launched a listening tour across the state to put us in touch with diverse community stakeholders, including families, policymakers, immigrant services providers, advocates, volunteers and child care providers. We have our ear to the ground and our eyes to the horizon for a New Day in Hawaii.