Philadelphia Business Journal: EXCLUSIVE: Report shows investments in pre-k pay big economic dividends

“For every $1 invested in high-quality pre-kindergarten education, Pennsylvania’s economy would see a $1.79 return.

To put that number into perspective, the same investment in major sectors such as manufacturing, retail trade and wholesale trade, bring in less of a return ($1.68, $1.77 and $1.75, respectively).

That’s according to a new report from  Ready Nation/America’s Edge, a national organization that aims to strengthen business through better policies for children. The analysis shows that access to high-quality preschool has both short-term and long-term economic benefits.

And, these aren’t dollars that just stay in early childhood sectors, Steven Wray, executive director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, said. “These dollars get spent throughout the entire economy.””

Read the full story here.