Canada – Investment in early education

The University of British Columbia’s Human Early Learning Partnership tracks school readiness across the province. In 2006, it reported 29.6% of children were entering school not ready to learn.

Last year, it reported 30.9% of children arrived in kindergarten not ready to learn. Despite the efforts, and welcome innovations like Strong Start Centres, the situation worsened.

Children aren’t ready to suc-ceed in school for many reasons – emotional immaturity, lack of language skills, poor social adjustment or physical problems.

But the UBC research found that with appropriate help, the percentage of children not ready to learn could be cut from 30% to 10%.

And while poverty is a factor, researchers discovered most vulnerable children are middle class. All children and families need access to services and support…

via Investment in early education for our children pays off.