An economist might seem unlikely champion of early childhood development. But prominent economists have become advocates for quality early learning because the research is convincing ? and the future of our communities is at stake.

South Dakotans had a unique opportunity in mid-June to hear and question Art Rolnick, senior vice-president and economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis who was in Aberdeen to explain why we need to rethink the model that has education beginning in kindergarten.

Rolnick maintains annual public return from high quality early childhood development programs is 12 percent. ?The returns are large, reliable and reaped by both the individuals involved and the general public,? he adds.

He also discussed 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.?

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