Research in the field of neuroscience documents the importance of addressing the developmental needs of children during early childhood in order to put them on a positive life trajectory and maximize their chances for long-term success.  Recent research in economics demonstrates the direct link between the well-being of children and the vitality and viability of the communities in which we live.  Economic research also shows that, in terms of economic benefits, investing in the development of young children yields the highest return on investment.  The St. Louis region has been slower to understand and adopt this key economic development strategy than many of the metropolitan areas with which we compare and compete.  If the St. Louis region is to be economically competitive and vital, initiatives to effectively address the critical developmental needs of young children must be added to our arsenal of community and economic development strategies.

In the City of St. Louis, Mayor Francis Slay has demonstrated unprecedented leadership on this issue by developing a Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Success.  In the business sector, SBC Missouri and the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association have recognized the importance of early childhood development to the success of both individual children and the region as a whole, supporting strategic community efforts to ensure the early developmental needs of all St. Louis area children are met.

The broader business and civic community has not yet, however, become adequately engaged in addressing this key metropolitan development issue.  If the St. Louis region is to keep pace with the rest of the nation in pursuing community and economic development, the local corporate and civic sectors must lend their support to addressing the following key issues related to early childhood development:

Improving education, professional development, and compensation for providers of early childhood services.  Although meeting the developmental needs of young children is central to the success of our schools, businesses and communities, child care is the lowest paid industry and there is a need to strengthen professional development.