Just the Facts

The results are clear. If we don’t address the needs of our youngest, most vulnerable children, we perpetuate a cycle that prevents school success. We need to invest in these programs so we can appreciate the social and economic benefits. The time is now!

Let’s look at the latest studies to find out more.

Where are your tax dollars going?

• Hawai‘i currently dedicates less than 3% of its resources to young children and their families.
• We spend almost $40,000 on prisoners, just over $11,000 on children in school and much less for children under the age of five.

How can we spend more wisely?

• Every $1 spent on quality early childhood services in Hawai‘i produces $4.20 return on investment in reduced spending on social welfare services.
• Early identification of special needs can save schools more than 50% per child, saving taxpayer dollars.

Did you know?

• 85% of human brain development happens before age five.
• Between the ages of three and 10, a child’s brain is 2 1/2 times more active than an adult’s.
• Attending preschool prepares children for learning and can reduce the need for special education services.
• Poor early childhood experiences can have devastating effects on adult health, social relationships, and the ability to hold jobs.
• Reaching out to high-risk families through home visitation programs can prevent child abuse and neglect and promote positive early experiences.

Can You Believe it? In Hawai'i...

• ONLY 1 out of 5 kindergarten classes have the majority of their students entering school with essential reading and math skills.
• LESS THAN ½ of Hawai‘i’s public school kindergarten students attend preschool before starting school (2011).
• A child is born into poverty every 5 hours.
• 1 out of 3 children are not reading at 3rd grade level.
• A child is abused or neglected every 4 hours.
• A child dies before his or her 1st birthday every 3 days.

You can help change some of these statistics. Create a better tomorrow for Hawai‘i’s keiki! Join us!