PRESENTATION II
Benefits of Investing
in Early Education Sherry Cleary, Executive Director
of the NY Early Childhood
Professional Development Institute
Early learning is critical to
starting our children on
paths to success.
Benefits of Early Education
Children who participate in high-quality
early education have:
• Higher cognitive test scores
• Higher math and reading achievement
• Higher likelihood of attending a 4-year
college
• Higher likelihood of being gainfully
employed later in life
Benefits of Early Education
This is why the Governor
made a historic commitment
to funding early education.
for Pre-K for 4 year olds...
$750 million State is spending more than
Benefits of Early Education
This is why the Governor
made a historic commitment
to funding early education.
children across New York State.
116,000 ...which funds the education of
Benefits of Early Education
This year’s budget continues
a commitment to fund full
day statewide Pre-K: New
York is investing $1.5 billion
over 5 years.
Benefits of Early Education
But data suggest that we
should bring the benefits of
early education to a new,
even younger group of
children in our highest-need
communities.
Benefits of Early Education
Benefits of Early Education
Timing of Early Brain Development
Sensory Pathways
(vision, hearing)
Language Higher Cognitive
Function
YEAR 1 3 YRS 10 14 C. NELSON (2000)
Benefits of Early Education
The Achievement Gap Starts Early V
oc
ab
ula
ry
3 YRS
1,116 words Children in professional families
525 words Children in families on public assistance
10 MOS. HART & RISLEY (2003)
Benefits of Early Education
The earlier in life children
can participate in high
quality programs, the better
our education system can
work to ensure opportunity
for all.
Under the leadership of
Governor Cuomo, the State
is piloting a $25 million
program to support 3-year
old Pre-K slots in our
highest-need communities.
Benefits of Early Education
Benefits of Early Education
More than 250 districts
will be eligible to apply
and more than 5,000
seats are projected to
be made available for
3-year olds.