| Notes |
Changing the first five years changes everything. Studies show that the learning gap for low-income children becomes apparent as early as nine months of age. Early language skills, as well as social-emotional development and school-readiness indicators, are powerful predictors for success in school and in life.
Studies suggest that a 30-million “word gap” exists between low- and upper-income children: poor children hear, understand, and use fewer words, which can have long-term negative consequences. Babies who hear fewer words are less likely to do well in school and kids who drop out of school are less likely to be healthy adults.
Educare seeks to prevent the achievement gap from taking root in the early years of a child’s life. We know what works to close the achievement gap: high quality, intensive education interventions in early childhood delivered by skilled, trained teachers. |