Why School Districts Should
Invest in the Early Years
Bob Butts
Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
1
Four Great Reasons
2
The skills and behaviors of
entering Kindergarten
children vary
tremendously…
3
Percent of Entering Kindergartners by
Range of Demonstrated Skills
Skills expected of 5
to 6 year old
kindergartners
100%
90%
Skills expected of 4
to 5 year old
preschoolers
80%
70%
Skills expected of 3
to 4 year old
preschoolers
60%
50%
Skills expected of 2
to 3 year olds
40%
30%
20%
Skills expected of
birth to 2 year olds
10%
0%
21055 Students
20619 Students
20554 Students
20728 Students
19827 Students
20393 Students
Social Emotional
Physical
Language
Cognitive
Literacy
Math
4
Once children start behind
in the K-12 system, most all
of them stay behind…
5
6
Improving brain
function is easiest in
the early years…
7
Ability to Change Brains and Behaviors
Decreases Over Time
Source: Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
8
Investing in the early
years returns the
greatest benefits…
9
10