Early-learning success is crucial for all of society
Cariboo Press - Kamloops This Week
March 23, 2008
Opinion -- Jennifer Harris, chairwoman, BCGEU special associate members, Kamloops chapter

Editor:

The early years are learning years and the most crucial time for investing in our children.

The years before age five are scientifically proven to be the most important years in every child's life.

When we invest resources in quality early learning and care programs at this age, our society realizes major savings in social costs in the long run.

Providing developmental support early in life has been proven to increase school participation and completion.

It has also been proven to save public money by reducing the long-term need for health, justice and social services….

We need to provide developmentally and age-appropriate programs to support all children from all income levels.

It is now necessary for many families to have two incomes to meet the basic living necessities.

There is a serious shortage of child-care spaces in the Kamloops area.

We need to build a system that provides both early learning and care so families can go to work….