CHS understands the importance of keeping abreast of current trends in child care and development and early learning research, and recognizes the importance of applying that research to our programs and agency operations. Learn more about our Best Practices & Outcomes Department and how we continually strive to improve the services we provide.
James Heckman is currently the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in the year 2000 and is regarded as an expert in the field of the economics of human development. Along with a distinguished group of other experts in their respective fields of study, Professor Heckman has repeatedly demonstrated that quality early child development greatly influences outcomes for individuals and society as a whole. His research indicates that investing in early childhood development can lead to extensive economic gains in the long term.
Research such as Professor Heckman’s posits that the early childhood years are arguably the most important years in an individual’s life. The brain is developing at a rapid pace from birth to age five. It is during these years that the cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for later success are garnered. Quality early childhood education can help foster these skills even among the most disadvantaged youth. Research consistently shows that early interventions are much more successful than later interventions when it comes to positive adult outcomes. Investing in early childhood education translates into a stronger economy by producing a more educated and skilled workforce, and by reducing costs needed for remedial education, health rehabilitation, and the criminal justice system.
The mission and goal of CHS aligns closely to Professor Heckman’s research. CHS believes that every child and family at risk deserves access to services that ensure each child the opportunity to develop within a safe, healthy, and secure environment. The Early Learning and Education Programs at CHS provide free education materials and workshops to parents on how to select a quality early learning provider and offer assistance for paying for quality child care to those who qualify. CHS is continually working to improve the programs and services provided to children and families by staying abreast of current research in the fields of child development and early learning.
For more information on Professor James Heckman and the Heckman Equation, please visit: http://heckmanequation.org.
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