The Skills Problem

Nobel prize-winning economist James Heckman's presentation to the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry on why public and private investments in children's earliest skill formation are they key to our state's -- and nation's -- social and economic growth.

Annually, Nebraska spends about $94
million on subsidized child care for our
state's most vulnerable children.
Shouldn't we expect quality and
accountability from the services
our public dollars purchase?

Read our eye opening issue brief on child care in Nebraska.

"The most expensive thing in early childhood is [a] poor quality [program] with no return on investment."

Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D.,  Director - Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University [Presentations to Nebraska legislators, business leaders, and school administrators - January 15, 2013]

Drawing Connections

In Nebraska, the 11 counties that
account for 64% of all at-risk children
between the ages of 0 and 5 also
account for 70% of the state's total
high school dropouts.

59,825 out of a total 152,016
Nebraska children between the
ages of 0 and 5 face risk factors
that threaten their success in school
and life.

_{"Many of us in law enforcement believe it is much easier to teach a child than turn around a broken adult.}"

Lincoln law enforcement officials' visit to Cedars Northbridge Early Childhood Center spotlights role of early education in reducing crime.

"New industries consider locating in states who show a commitment to children in their early years.  They understand it's an indicator of stability in a community and a quality workforce."

_{Barry Kennedy
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry}

"If a child starts Kindergarten behind, they will most likely stay behind for the rest of the time they're in school.  Nationally, almost 50% of kindergarteners start school behind."

_{Sharon Royers
Principal, Indian Hill Elementary}