BOISE STATE ON BUSINESS

Spend more on early childhood education

As our state struggles with education reform, it is time to consider making a financial commitment to early childhood education, which has been proven for over 40 years to make a dramatic difference in the educational success of young children and later as they become adults.

Chris Loucks reminds us (“Early childhood education helps strengthen business,” the Boise State on Business column, Business Insider, Dec. 18-24, 2012) that an investment in early childhood education also is a means to increasing economic growth. Results of early education take time to validate, so we need to invest earlier and think long-term. Raising and educating children is like running a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.

Bolstered by the information gained from the extensive brain research in the 1990s, successful early childhood programs — utilizing family and community-based assets — are developed and available.

Studies show that quality early childhood education reduces crime, teen pregnancy and other costly conditions and that children attending quality preschools have higher lifetime earnings and increased productivity.

All of Idaho’s citizens and economy will benefit if our leaders establish and implement a comprehensive program of early childhood education. The early years are learning years. Make them count!

SHARON BIXBY and MARY LOU KINNEY, Boise

Everyone should read Chris Loucks’ column

All the articles in Business Insider interest me, although I am not in business.

Reading “Words at Work” by Kathy McIntosh can benefit anyone seeking examples of good writing.

A recent article by BSU professor Chris Loucks should be read by everyone, especially each and every state legislator (“Early childhood education helps strengthen business,” the Boise State on Business column, Business Insider, Dec. 18-24, 2012).

I commend The Idaho Statesman for publishing this valuable Tuesday supplement.

BILL MATTOX, Boise