New research shows early childhood education is key to a healthy economy

Posted on March 11, 2022
George Davis, co-chair of the Illinois Early Childhood Funding Commission, says what’s new in Ready Nation’s new report is the way in which it examines early childhood education on a system-wide basis. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/Shutterstock)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – We are hearing again about the benefits of early childhood education. One is that it is key to a healthy economy.

“Research shows that even before the pandemic, child care challenges were costing Illinois’ economy about $2.4 billion annually,” said Illinois Manufacturers’ Association education and workforce policy vice president Sarah Hartwick, “and these costs are related to foregone earnings, reduced productivity, and other factors.”

Hartwick is part of Ready Nation, a not-for-profit business coalition with about 300 members. The group promotes economic growth through services and programs for children.

A link to the report is: Report (strongnation.s3.amazonaws.com)

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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