Why Early Education is Everyone’s Business

Investing in early childhood education isn’t just good policy—it’s a strategy for economic growth and community well-being.

When we talk about early education, many envision finger paints, storytime, and ABCs. But what’s often overlooked is that high-quality early childhood education is one of the most powerful economic and social stabilizers we have.

At the Systems of Care Initiative (SOCI), we work at the intersection of education, equity, and economic mobility—because we understand that access to early education shapes far more than the first five years of a child’s life. It impacts whether families can stay employed, whether communities can grow, and whether our local economies can thrive.

1. Early Care is Economic Infrastructure

It’s simple: families can’t work or pursue further education without access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care.

In Missouri, 61% of parents report workforce disruptions due to lack of access to early learning opportunities.That’s not just a parenting issue—it’s a workforce issue, a business issue, and a community issue.

Through partnerships with centers we call Centerprises, SOCI ensures that working parents have access to year-round, full-day care, so they don’t have to choose between a paycheck and their child’s well-being.

2. Early Learning Fuels Long-Term Academic Success

The research is clear: children who start behind often stay behind.

Third-grade reading proficiency—a key predictor of high school graduation—is closely linked to early learning experiences. The earlier we invest in a child’s development, the more we reduce the need for costly interventions later on.

That’s why SOCI supports programs that track learning progress, train educators, and create environments where children don’t just play—they grow.

3. Why Business Leaders Should Care

When families have the resources to participate fully in the workforce, employers benefit from reduced absenteeism, increased retention, and a more stable talent pipeline.

When children receive high-quality care, they’re more likely to succeed in school and eventually in the workforce themselves. It’s a generational return on investment.

Early education isn’t a soft issue. It’s a strategic lever for community prosperity.