Preschool Saves Illinois More Than Half A Billion Dollars Annually

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Illinois saves up to $530 million each year from its investments in preschool programs for children ages three to five, according to a new study.

The school-readiness skills children develop in preschool, the study says, translate into quantifiable savings from reduced expenditures for special education, social services and criminal justice services, as well as increased state revenues produced by a skilled workforce more capable of contributing to the state's economy.

The study analyzed Illinois' preschool investments over the past 23 years. It was commissioned jointly by the Ounce of Prevention Fund, Voices for Illinois Children and Illinois Action for Children, and conducted by the Minnesota-based Wilder Research Group.

Among the report's most striking findings about the return on Illinois' preschool investments:

* Taxpayer benefits include $172 million to $259 million annually in reduced government spending and increased tax revenues resulting from:
* fewer juvenile arrests, adjudications and detentions
* fewer cases of child abuse and neglect
* reduced costs in adult criminal justice
* increased tax revenue from higher wages earned
* improved employment outcomes
* Illinoisans realize between $154 million and $231 million per year in savings from reduced social costs, such as:
* fewer tangible losses to victims of violent crimes and property offenses committed by juveniles and adults
* increased earnings of employed parents while their children are enrolled in preschool
* Illinois' K-12 schools save between $27 million and $40 million annually because of:
* reduced spending on special education related to disabilities that are prevented or mitigated through early identification and intervention
* fewer children repeating grades
* lower teacher turnover

"This study reinforces what economists have been saying for years—early childhood programs offer a proven, substantial return on investment," said Diana Rauner, president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund. "By setting children up to succeed in school, early learning programs help Illinois develop the educated workforce it needs to be economically competitive."

"Children are the foundation of our future, and our future depends on meeting children's needs today. To ignore their needs is to eat our seed corn," said Kathy Ryg, president of Voices for Illinois Children. "But by investing wisely in their early years – through enriching early learning experiences, quality child care and physical and mental health supports – we ensure that children will find success in school, work and throughout life. This report further confirms what we know to be true: Supporting successful policies, and prioritizing research-proven options, benefits everyone by establishing a stable society and a better-educated workforce."

"Investment in quality, affordable early childhood education programs is an absolutely critical element of preparing children for later success in school and in life," said Maria Whelan, president of Illinois Action for Children. "This report clearly demonstrates that preschool's reach creates cost savings in education spending, taxpayer savings seen in reduced juvenile crime and parental unemployment, and reduced social costs to the public at large. These proven investments in early education must be maintained for the good of children and families and the well-being of Illinois."

In addition, the study estimates that failing to provide preschool for all eligible, disadvantaged children costs Illinois about $183 million a year.

Currently, the state funds "Preschool for All" programs through the Early Childhood Block Grant in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). About 87,000 children attend those preschool programs this school year. That's about 8,000 fewer than two years ago because of a 10 percent funding cut in FY2010 and delayed state payments that continue forcing programs to shrink or close altogether.

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