Early education the best crime deterrent

Jill Michal

is president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

Ann O'Brien Schmieg

is senior vice president, community impact, of the United Way

We're investing almost seven times as much to address the consequences of problems in our community as we are to tackle the root causes of them.

Here's how The Inquirer put it in an article about a recently released report that links exposure to high-quality preschool programs to reduced crime:

"In Pennsylvania, about $2.3 billion is spent annually on corrections; $340 million is spent on early childhood programs."

According to the report, at-risk children and those from low-income backgrounds without access to quality early learning are more likely to be involved in violent crime, arrested, or incarcerated down the road.

The good news is that we can rewrite this story by investing in high-quality early education, so that all children - regardless of their backgrounds - have the chance to start kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.

But we need to invest early. Research is clear that the earlier our investment in a child's life occurs, the greater the payoff. Interventions later in life - while still beneficial and important - come at a higher cost.

But a good start is just that, a start. As students transition from learning to read to "reading to learn," we must turn our focus to early-grade literacy to ensure that students can read at grade level. As they make their way through middle school and enter their teenage years, helping students stay on track to high school graduation becomes critical.

Along the way, we must also provide exposure to higher education and the workplace - as well as the support to get there - so that young adults complete their secondary education successfully, ready for college or a career.

This investment pays dividends for all of us in the long run. For every dollar invested in quality early-childhood education today, the return is up to $17 back into the community in saved special-education costs, lower crime rates, increased earnings, and taxes paid. And as our children become productive members of the region's workforce, they will reinvest back into our communities.

There is a part for each of us to play in setting the next generation on the path to prosperity. Whether we give of our time, talent, or treasure, our investment strengthens the future of our entire region.

And while you may never be repaid for your kindness, you can rest assured that your children, and your children's children, will collect on your behalf.