Local experts in the field of early childhood development recently met with more than 100 local leaders from businesses of all sizes, both national and entrepreneurial. Coordinated by Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Prosper Lincoln and Dividends Nebraska, the meeting raised awareness of the importance of high quality early childhood development and how the lack of it affects employees of the future.
Ninety percent of a child’s brain is developed by age eight, so investing in high quality early childhood learning opportunities drives increased productivity in the workplace and helps economic development in the community.
One expert at the meeting, Dr. Marjorie Kostelnik, University of Nebraska-Lincoln dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, said “The early years are critical to long-term brain development. Experiences that fill a young child’s life have a decisive impact on brain architecture.”
Steve Joel, superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, shared that while they are serving 1,071 preschool children in half-day programs, 803 are on a wait list. “That list has grown by 300 children this year alone and we cannot get there without community support,” Joel said.
This gathering addressed the first early childhood strategy of the Prosper Lincoln Community agenda: Create a business roundtable to build awareness and advocacy for early childhood.
Dividends Nebraska is a 5-year-old statewide group of business leaders committed to making strategic, high quality early childhood experiences a priority for Nebraska’s public and private investments. Jim Krieger, CFO of Gallup and chair emeritus of Dividends Nebraska’s predecessor, Nebraska Early Childhood Business Roundtable, said public and private partnerships are vitally important for high-quality early childhood opportunities, especially for children at risk from birth to age three. It is essential to begin building the skills that will keep Nebraska competitive and growing. Fiscally responsible early childhood investments also support the quality of life Nebraskans desire and need to be productive citizens.
Business leaders involved in Dividends Nebraska support early childhood investments because they yield high rates of economic, scholastic and social returns. There is no cost or fundraising required for business leaders to join Dividends Nebraska. Members are simply asked to advocate for the work and to talk about it within their circles of influence. Visit www.dividendsnebraska.org to sign up.