Join Early Years in Giving Thanks this Universal Children’s Day

ByJennifer Gioia, Communications Manager at Early Years

Every yearon November 20, since 1954, the world celebrates Universal Children’s Day tospread awareness of improving child welfare worldwide, promoting andcelebrating children’s rights and promoting togetherness and awareness amongstall children. [1] With Thanksgiving so close, we would like you tojoin us in taking a moment and thanking those who work tirelessly every day toimprove the lives of our youngest children.

Whether that’s a parent, an early childhoodeducator, a doctor, child care provider, government leader, grandparent,volunteer, nurse, religious leader, an advocate for children, or a friend, weat Early Years thank you for your dedication andleadership to ensuring the mission that every child deserves access toaffordable, high-quality child care and education.

What ishigh-quality early childhood education?

High-quality early childhood education iscritical to a child’s development by creating a stimulating, safe and lovingenvironment for children birth to 5. [2] “A high-quality programuses teaching approaches that support a child’s learning and curriculum goals.Teachers modify strategies to respond to the needs of individual children, andprovide learning opportunities through both indoor and outdoor play.” [2]

“Quality programs are comprehensive.” [3]High-quality child birth-to-five programs have lasting boosts in cognition andsocio-emotional skills driving better education, health, social and economicoutcomes. [3] Research shows that “high-quality birth-to-fiveprograms for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% return on investment,”which means children are more likely to graduate high school, go to college,have a family and live a happier, more successful life. [3]

On Giving Tuesday (December 3), considerinvesting in our children—our future. At Early Years, we’reall about children. From helping children build healthy behaviors in what theyeat and how they play to making sure their teachers are qualified, trained andadequately paid, Early Years focuses on a child’s early years, aiming to make themhappy, stable and secure.

Whenall children have that start—a healthy foundation—we all do better.

Children are happier and more ready to enterschool, parents are secure in knowing their child is being cared for andeducated in a stable environment, and early childhood educators have theresources they need to continue their education and can support their familieswhile pursuing the career they love.

At Early Years, we’re also all about making sure allchildren have that healthy foundation. To have that healthy foundation, allchildren need more stable relationships with better-educated and fairlycompensated teachers that stay in their jobs.

In fact, research shows that early experiencesare particularly important for the brain development of children of color andchildren from low-income families.

“The highest rate of return in early childhooddevelopment comes from investing as early as possible, from birth through agefive, in disadvantaged families. The best investment is in quality earlychildhood development from birth to five for disadvantaged children and theirfamilies.” [4]

At Early Years, we use research, services andadvocacy to build a healthy foundation for every child because we believe allchildren deserve the best start at their best life.

How canyou invest in high-quality early childhood education?

Give to Early Years today! Your gift may help supporta parent who is starting a new job through our referral and scholarship programsor a child care teacher who wants to finish an early childhood education degreethrough our scholarship and compensation programs.

Our work results in enormous benefits forchildren, families and the community. Help us make sure every child has a goodstart to lifelong learning in a safe, nurturing, quality environment.

Donate today!