The True Cost of the Right Start for Kids. How much money is too much when it comes to our kids?

Last week, Common Sense Kids Action released a groundbreaking report from the Right Start Commission titled Rebuilding the California Dream, which outlines a plan to create a "child-centered" system that nurtures every child from the beginning of life. Such a system would include expanded child care and early childhood education services, investments in preventive health care, proactive public-awareness campaigns, and a business sector committed to supporting working families.

The press took note and covered the report in the LA Times, on KQED Forum, and in the Sacramento Bee.

One question kept coming up: Can our "Golden State" really afford to provide universal access to early childhood education?

The reality is that, as a state, we can't afford not to invest in our children between the pivotal ages of 0 and 5. Failure to prioritize our youngest kids can have a negative impact on brain development, future academic performance, economic outcomes, and health trajectory. And you can believe addressing all those issues for California's 3 million kids age 0–5 as they grow into adults will cost way more down the road.

Let's face the facts: California ranks 49th in the nation in standard of living for kids. And yet it has one of the largest economies in the entire world with a GDP that rivals those of many nations.

We need to do better for the sake of our children and the future of our state. The Right Start Commission report gives California a strong path forward. To learn more, check out our video, and join the movement today!