The famous psychologist, Jean Piaget, explained that child’s play is not just fun, it is an important part of their brain development. Other studies validate Piaget’s statement, showing that the first years of a child’s life determine the trajectory of their cognitive, emotional and interpersonal issues.

We must then ask ourselves how this impacts the cognitive development of economically-disadvantaged children with limited access to early childhood education. Unfortunately, the answer is not surprising. A recent study by Child Trends found that underprivileged children typically lag behind other children as young as nine months old. Those of us working toward improving the viability of low-income communities should be particularly mindful of this staggering information.

So what can be done in Ohio to ensure all children have access to opportunity? For one, we can invest in improving childcare. We cannot subject young children to emotional anorexia and expect their cognitive skills to develop effectively. A study from the National Center for Early Development & Learning found that quality child care was critical in ensuring that a child is ready for elementary school both cognitively and behaviorally. Essentially, child-teacher bonds formed in the childcare classroom prepare children for their future education.

We must make providing access to early childhood centers in our communities a priority. Both funding and resources are available to make this a reality. For example, Finance Fund had the pleasure of helping to fund the first and only early childhood center in Noble County. The Noble Learning Center had struggled for some time to find a stable location, operating out of rented apartments and struggling to keep its lease. Through creative funding, the Noble Learning Center was able to reclaim a vacant building and now operates as the four-county region’s only licensed childcare center. Projects like these improve opportunities for children in our communities to fully engage in their education.

As you begin to see school buses and school playgrounds fill with children, take a moment to ask yourself an important question. What can you do to ensure that all children are provided with the opportunity to learn and ultimately succeed? It’s imperative to our future.