First of all, let me begin by reminding my readers that this column is my opinion and my opinion only. By that I mean that I am not speaking for the board merely making observations about educational topics and asking for your perspective and input. As I said in my last article appearing in the Fern Ridge Review on June 22, 2016, emotional and psychological support of programs for ages 0-6 help our children find the onramps to success through education and into life. And, as promised in that article, I want to now talk about the economic advantages for all – and that means even those of us who no longer or never had any children in the schools. How in the world could these programs help all of us economically?
While some recognize the importance of social equity in economic terms as well, let’s look more directly at the issues that are affected here. According to the Register Guard Guest Viewpoint from the Oregon Community Foundation, dollars spent in the “early years pay off many times over. We can save anywhere from $3 to $17 for every $1 invested because of lower costs for remedial education, lower crime and incarceration costs, and higher productivity over a lifetime.” [Register Guard 6/16/16] Besides the obvious costs of crime and jail, the higher productivity translates to more taxes paid into local coffers and advances in livability in the community itself. Equally, important in this time of political questions, these children will be better citizens as well and be more informed and ready to make critical decisions so necessary in our political and social world.
In addition, as crime drops and taxes and livability rise, property values rise as well. Needless to say, if one owns property of any kind, one wants to get the most money a person can when selling it. Run down, crime ridden cities are not prime real estate. The Family Resource Center focuses on programs to improve family stability and effective parenting while creating the foundation for effective learning as well as self-regulation which I talked about last time. Ultimately, one of the goals would be reducing the opportunity gap for all ages while aligning learning supports for students AND families.
Our Family Resource Center, active at both elementary schools, is a starting point. At some point, we should hope to coordinate with all community agencies, including the school district, while reaching out for resources to support families and extended learning opportunities for students. Remember, it is through learning that we all can reach our potential. We need to grow and change for as long as we are alive with the world we inhabit. Morally, ethically, psychologically, judicially, AND economically, this is one way to improve the quality of life for all who share our world and our community.
Check out these short videos from Vroom Brain Games: https://youtu.be/trm38G2e5NE and https://youtu.be/PB1Uo9nbIVU are introductions. Then watch these to see examples of things you might do with your baby or toddler. https://youtu.be/Auns4tHyXes and https://youtu.be/iAj3wW1piTI and this one https://youtu.be/WwkLayJQHQ8 to feel good for all you already do for your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, foster child, adopted children and all kiddos – young and old- in your life and neighborhood.
I leave you with this quote from Rose Kennedy: “When you hold your baby in your arms the first time, and you think of all the things you can say and do to influence him, it’s a tremendous responsibility. What you do with him can influence not only him, but everyone he meets and not for a day or a month or a year but for time and eternity.” As always, keep writing to me at tmorton@fernridge.k12.or.us and see you in July!