There is no longer any question - early experiences from birth to age five have a profound and lasting effect on children. Never before has the evidence from experts in the multiple disciplines of neuroscience, child development and economics been so compelling in support of investing resources on behalf of young children. The return on investment is worth the cost.

Although early childhood development and health services and programs consume resources up front, they are also proven long-term investments that continue to benefit not only the child, but also the community far into the future. The benefits of enriching, supportive experiences for young children extend to the community in the form of lower costs for remedial and special education, justice services, and welfare subsidies, and higher economic gains from a better educated workforce and more productive citizens. The rate of return on dollars invested in early childhood development and health is estimated at 12% to 16% - a much better yield than most stocks and bonds.

Arizona has a defining opportunity to change the imbalance. Investing in children earlier and providing an equal opportunity for all children can potentially alleviate some of the educational, social and medical problems that negatively impact children's chances to succeed. It is an opportunity to build a better educated, more productive workforce and community of citizens for the future.