WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a report today that underscores the importance of high-quality, universal pre-K in meeting the needs of working families and setting all children on the path to succeed. Unfortunately, high-quality programs are out of reach for many American families—half of preschool-aged children are not enrolled in formal education. It is critical that all working families have access to high-quality pre-K.

“Access to early childhood education gives children the opportunity to acquire the skills they need for a brighter future and strengthens the foundation of our economy,” said Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee. “It has proven to have positive, enduring effects on our children and their families. I look forward to continuing this conversation on investments in high-quality early learning and care to make sure that every single child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Key findings of the report include:

• Families often can’t afford private high-quality programs: on average, a center-based program consumes 13 percent of a median family’s income.
• Mothers of children who receive high-quality early learning and care are more likely to seek out post-secondary education and can earn $90,000 more over their careers.
• Programs designed around the whole family are critical to uplifting families and communities. Each dollar spent on early learning and care generates up to $7.30 of benefits to society.

Click here to view the report.

Ranking Member Heinrich also cosponsored the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation introduced this week that will ensure working families have access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning. The bill is a part of Democrats’ A Better Deal agenda to build an economy that works for all, not just those at the top.