Squandering America's Future—Why ECE Policy Matters for Equality, Our Economy, and Our Children

Book excerpt: “This remarkable book manages to pinpoint the critical issues in the care and education of young children with up-to-date research, and all of this in a pleasurable and lively style. This needs to be read widely, and right away.” —Deborah Meier, MacArthur award–winning public school teacher, principal, and author “An ambitious book, unlike any other in early childhood policy . . . a must-read for all who care about kids.” —Nancy Carlsson-Paige, professor emerita, Lesley University “Susan Ochshorn . . . shows us how a few dedicated people, schools, agencies, and institutions have made a difference in children’s lives—a difference that is enhancing early development in this generation and those to come.” —Samuel J. Meisels, founding executive director, Buffett Early Childhood Institute University of Nebraska “Indispensable for policymakers, educators, and all who care about our future.” —Riane Eisler, social scientist, attorney, and author “Sharp eyed, warm, and lively—a delightful read on a dead-serious topic.” —Janet Gornick, professor of political science and sociology, City University of New York “An urgent call to action that could change the course of the nation’s future.” —Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education, Stanford University “A kaleidoscope of stories and statistics to illustrate the profound injustices we are visiting on our children and the corresponding injuries we are inflicting on ourselves. We can only hope that Squandering America’s Future will help to turn the tide.” —Anne-Marie Slaughter, President and CEO, New America