Universal access
Expanding early learning initiatives would yield benefits to society of roughly $8.60 for every $1 spent, about half of which comes from increased earnings for children when they grow up, according to a White House study by the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Critics frequently ignore systematic reviews, which demonstrate beneficial outcomes for “high-quality” or “comprehensive” programs – and the younger the intervention, the better the outcomes.
Continuous accountability
This is needed to ensure children are being screened and swiftly linked to high-quality services. Accountability should include a low-cost metric of developmental-behavioral status at 5 years (that is, a school-based kindergarten-readiness intake assessment). If our ultimate goal is to improve outcomes and reduce disparities, then we need to make certain the system is working. That way, states can tweak their processes to optimize child outcomes over time.
Without a doubt, acting early builds better brains. The leadership question remains: Will politicians adequately invest in these systemwide solutions?
Dr. Marks is a general pediatrician at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Eugene, Ore. He disclosed he is a coauthor of “Developmental Screening in Your Community: An Integrated Approach for Connecting Children with Services,” but has no other relevant disclosures. Email him at pdnews@frontlinemedcom.com.