The foundations of growth – investing in the next generation

There is a sound economic argument for public investment in high quality care and education for young children, to lay the foundations for future economic growth:

Quality care and education in the early years has a large positive impact on children’s development.

The benefits are long-lasting, and are more cost-effective than educational investments and remedial interventions later in life.

The effects on children’s development deliver large social and economic benefits.

The return to investment in quality early care and education is high. Cost-benefit analyses in the US have found returns of between $2.50 and $16 for every dollar invested.