Report: First Eight Years Indicate a Child's Success
Posted November 4, 2013 06:45 am
TAMPA,
FL - Third grade is the crossroads of a child's
educational future, according to a report released today
by the
Annie E. Casey Foundation. The analysis found that a
majority of pupils, 64 percent, are not on track with
cognitive development by third grade.
According to Steve Martaus, director at the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, in Florida there is a lack of consistency around the state when it comes to birth-to-age-eight education.
"There's definitely some gaps, and I think some counties have sufficient resources to do a really good job for young children, and many counties struggle with a lack of resources."
"Critical investments should target the first eight
years of life."
Read the report.
The report, "The First Eight Years: Giving Kids a Foundation for Lifetime Success," also indicates that children living in low-income households are even less likely to be on track by third grade. Just 19 percent of third graders in families living below 200 percent of the poverty level have age-appropriate skills.
Laura Speer, associate director for policy reform and
advocacy at the Casey Foundation said that enabling
parents to expand their involvement in their children's
lives can help support early childhood education efforts
at home.
"Having the flexible work schedule; it's so important.
Also things like providing paid sick leave for parents
could make a huge, huge difference."
In addition to early learning, the report finds that
social and emotional skills also help secure success for
children, explained Steve Martaus.
"Kids that come into kindergarten that are better able
to make friends, get along with others, follow
directions, are going to be better able to cope and
better able to learn as they go forward."
Policy recommendations from the report include programs
to support parents so they can care and provide for
their children, increase access to early childhood
education for low-income children, and develop programs
that support a child's transition to elementary school.
Photos/graphics and links added by the Observer. Photos: AECF