Funding
While a long-term plan for future investment in early childhood education in Minnesota is necessary, the accountability and measurement principles proposed by the coalition must be established before any additional funding is allocated. These policy recommendations seek to change the infrastructure that supports early childhood education, rather than simply throw more money at the problem.
Funding Early Childhood Care and Education is Complex
There are no clear and immediate solutions to the current funding dilemma facing early childhood education in Minnesota. Currently, more than 70 percent of early childhood education spending in the state comes from families. The remaining funds come from the federal and state government, as well as other private and non-profit organizations, which results in a gap that leaves many children without adequate early childhood education.
If the state does not support these children early in the education process, it will face more costly expenditures on these same individuals when they are adults. Through an established climate of accountability and leadership, the state will see its return on investment.
