This episode of Nonprofit Report features a conversation with three leaders in early childhood development and education. Together, they discuss why investing in children from birth to age five is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to strengthen families, communities, and the nation’s future.
Guests:
• Alejandra Barraza, President, HighScope Educational Research Foundation
• Diana Rauner, President, Start Early
• Drew Furedi, President & CEO, Para Los Niños
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Early investment pays lifelong dividends.
- Quality early learning programs improve education, employment, and health outcomes well into adulthood.
- Support begins before birth. Early childhood care includes prenatal support, home visiting, and family-centered programs that nurture parents and children together.
- Educators need fair compensation. Early childhood teachers perform essential work yet remain underpaid; investment in their training and pay is vital.
- Learning through play builds key skills. Hands-on, active learning helps children develop curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.
Other Points on Supporting Children:
All three leaders underscored that investing in children means investing in families and communities. Early care and education should not be seen as optional or “nice-to-have,” but as essential infrastructure that underpins public health, economic stability, and social cohesion.
Rauner noted that the U.S. falls behind most developed nations in providing paid family leave and universal early education—policies proven to strengthen national well-being. She emphasized that this work requires “population-level impact” through sustained policy change and workforce investment.
Furedi connected early learning to broader community well-being. Programs like Para Los Niños’ Best Start initiative tie kindergarten readiness to community development—addressing transportation, food access, and safety as part of educational success.
Barraza reminded viewers that early childhood is not a charitable cause but a strategic investment. The science is clear: brains are built, not born, and experiences in the first five years set the foundation for problem-solving, empathy, and leadership later in life.