Investing in our children is investing in our future.

Young children spend more time than ever before in the care of adults other than their parents. Careful long-term studies show that high-quality early childhood development coupled with parenting education programs greatly improve the life-chances of young children, who are more likely to excel in school, earn more over their lifetimes, are less likely to turn to crime, and are more likely to delay parenting until they are out of their teens.

Children also have an advantage when their families live in safe and stable communities, where it's safe for children to play outside, and where transportation is available to work and shopping. Residents in strong communities are more likely to trust their public schools and their police, and are more likely to watch out for each other. Youth in strong communities are more likely to be part of youth organizations and sports teams, and are more likely to be exposed to good adult role models.

RELATED CUCP BRIEFS

This brief examines early childhood neglect in Shelby County and provides information on local resources that can help families meet their children's developmental needs.

This policy brief discusses the contribution of Early Intervention services to the developmental well-being of young, at risk children in Shelby County.

This report details the increase in extreme poverty and homelessness related to the recession and housing market crisis. When families struggle to make ends meet and are unable to maintain safe and stable homes, the social, emotional and cognitive development of their children is threatened.

An updated analysis of the demographics of Memphis City School and Shelby County School students and their performance on state and national achievement tests.

The rise in spending on public education over the last 30 years in the United States is almost entirely due to the increase in the percent of low-income children attending public schools.

Children enter the educational system from a variety of backgrounds. Their social, economic, and cultural influences will contribute to their academic success. In turn, the education of children shapes their development and life chances, as well as the economic and social progress of our community.

A comparative analysis of the mean birth weights of women from the 38114 zip code in order to examine the socio-economic and community factors that influence the health of newborns in Memphis.

In this analysis, we examine the persistent disparities in academic achievement between students from different racial and economic backgrounds across the State.

In Memphis City Schools and across Tennessee, there are significant achievement gaps between black and white students and between low income and middle income students. Because of the absence of enforced national standards in the No Child Left Behind Act, Tennessee?s academic standards are exceptionally low; as a result, achievement gaps between groups are likely even greater than indicated by statewide test results.

LINKS

The Science of Early Childhood Development

How Can Educators Help Guide Brain Research?

Mobilize Communities to Support Young Children and Their Families

Building Community Systems for Young Children

Advice for Pediatricians On How To Advocate for Cognitive Growth By Helping Schools and Communities Create Optimal Developmental Environments

Adapted From "The Seven Lessons of Early Childhood Public Engagement"

A Voluntary Educational Program That Supports Families in Promoting Their Child's Optimal Development