[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

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                        HON. KATHERINE M. CLARK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2014

  Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate 
the Week of the Young Child, which is celebrated this year from April 6 
to April 12. I also rise to recognize the tireless work of the National 
Association for the Education of Young Children, which was instrumental 
in launching this week in 1971, and which works every day to create a 
brighter future for our nation's youngest learners.
   Mr. Speaker, the evidence is clear: strong investments in early 
education are vital to America's future. Young children experience 
astonishing brain growth, forming more neural pathways from birth to 
age five than at any other point in their lives. Investment in this 
phase of life pays serious dividends--not just individually, but 
societally as well. Studies have consistently shown that each dollar 
invested in quality preschool yields $7 over the life of a child; and 
the urgent need for support in this area has never been greater.
   Today, one in five American children begins their life in poverty. 
Among these children are the world's future doctors, scientists, 
teachers, astronauts, CEOs, innovators and outstanding citizens. As we 
observe the Week of the Young Child, these facts should give reflective 
pause to every member of this House. If we fail to provide each 
American child with a fair opportunity to succeed, we as a society will 
fail to reach our full potential. The stakes are high, it is incumbent 
upon each of us to step up and do what's unquestionably right for 
America's future.
   I would also like to note that when paired with quality child care, 
early education yields immediate and long-term economic dividends. Too 
often, American parents are forced to choose between joining the 
workforce and ensuring the healthy development of their child. The 
Child Care Development Block Grant reduces this gap by providing a 
modest subsidy to eligible working parents, allowing them to purchase 
quality child care for their children, join the work force, and 
contribute to our nation's economic prosperity. Last month, I was proud 
to lead 111 of my House colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators 
supporting this critical program.
   In today's day in age, Mr. Speaker, I find it unacceptable that any 
child's zip code would determine whether they, or their parents, have a 
fair chance to reach for the American Dream. I look forward to the day 
when true equality of access to early education is finally achieved, 
and I'm proud to stand with the National Association for the Education 
of Young Children, as well as the Massachusetts Association for the 
Education of Young Children, in working to make this future a reality.

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