The annual public return from high quality early childhood development programs for at-risk children is 12 percent. That?s according to Art Rolnick of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. ?The returns are large, reliable and reaped by both the individuals involved and the general public,? he adds.

Rolnick, who is the Federal Reserve?s senior vice president and director of research, was in Rapid City October 29 to make the research-based connection between focused investments in early learning and a strong economy.

Economist Rolnick discussed the elements that characterize successful large early childhood development programs, which blend market incentives and long-term government support.

?Helping our youngest children develop their life and learning skills results in better citizens and more productive workers,? he says. ?Compared with the billions of dollars spent each year on high-risk economic development schemes, an investment in early childhood development is a far better and far more secure economic development tool.?

Rolnick was joined by a panel of responders that included Ron Moquist, CEO, Raven Industires; Dr. Gera Jacobs, professor of education, University of South Dakota; Sen. Tom Dempster, Assistant South Dakota Senate Majority Leader; and Judge Janine Kern, 7th Judicial District.

Conveners were the SD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and South Dakota Voices for Children with funding support from the Partnership for America?s Economic Success, Pew Charitable Trusts. Forum sponsors include Black Hills Power, Raven Industries and the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn.

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