Early education vital

Across the United States, educators, parents, and government officials are placing more emphasis on early childhood education to help preempt academic achievement problems later, according to an article by Karen Roebuck in the December 30, 2007, issue of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "If you build a love of learning at an early age, that love of learning will sustain them throughout school," said Don Owens, a spokeperson for the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Owens cited various studies indicating that children in high-quality early learning programs have higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, lower dropout rates, earn higher incomes, and bear children four to five years later than their peers. For futher information, read the full article.