Recognizing the Week of the Young Child

Floor Speech

Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the Week of the Young Child, which is celebrated this year from April 6 to April 12. I also rise to recognize the tireless work of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which was instrumental in launching this week in 1971, and which works every day to create a brighter future for our nation's youngest learners.

Mr. Speaker, the evidence is clear: strong investments in early education are vital to America's future. Young children experience astonishing brain growth, forming more neural pathways from birth to age five than at any other point in their lives. Investment in this phase of life pays serious dividends--not just individually, but societally as well. Studies have consistently shown that each dollar invested in quality preschool yields $7 over the life of a child; and the urgent need for support in this area has never been greater.

Today, one in five American children begins their life in poverty. Among these children are the world's future doctors, scientists, teachers, astronauts, CEOs, innovators and outstanding citizens. As we observe the Week of the Young Child, these facts should give reflective pause to every member of this House. If we fail to provide each American child with a fair opportunity to succeed, we as a society will fail to reach our full potential. The stakes are high, it is incumbent upon each of us to step up and do what's unquestionably right for America's future.

I would also like to note that when paired with quality child care, early education yields immediate and long-term economic dividends. Too often, American parents are forced to choose between joining the workforce and ensuring the healthy development of their child. The Child Care Development Block Grant reduces this gap by providing a modest subsidy to eligible working parents, allowing them to purchase quality child care for their children, join the work force, and contribute to our nation's economic prosperity. Last month, I was proud to lead 111 of my House colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators supporting this critical program.

In today's day in age, Mr. Speaker, I find it unacceptable that any child's zip code would determine whether they, or their parents, have a fair chance to reach for the American Dream. I look forward to the day when true equality of access to early education is finally achieved, and I'm proud to stand with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children, in working to make this future a reality.

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