Children are born with the same potential to become successful learners. Until about 12 months of age, nearly all healthy children will test at the same developmental levels regardless of environment. Beginning at 1 year of age, however, significant deficits begin to show in children from high-risk environments. Improving K-12 academic performance begins in the first 5 years of life. Children who have access to high-quality early childhood education are academically and socially more successful in school.

While research shows that children will benefit from long-term educational and psychosocial improvements, Children’s Home & Aid’s Early Childhood Care & Education centers are measuring concrete impact today. For instance, in a recent survey, 100% of parents reported that one of the centers helped them to maintain their employment and 94% of the parents felt that their children were more prepared for kindergarten as a result of the program.