The Need
Austin has an education readiness crisis. 50% of our youngest students enter kindergarten not prepared to learn, grow, and succeed.
Kindergarten readiness is highly predictive of academic performance in third grade laying the critical foundation for high school graduation, post-secondary education, and long-term economic self-sufficiency. If children don't do well in their early years of education, their high school graduation rates plummet. Each year we allow this to continue, the quality of Austin's skilled workforce declines. Leadership from the business community can change this trajectory.
90% of all brain development occurs by age 5
Only 5% of public education dollars are spent on early education
Students not reading on grade level by 3rd grade are 4x more likely to drop out
Every dollar invested in early childhood yields a 10% annual rate of return
Fewer than half of our children are entering Kindergarten ready to succeed
Our Vision
Early Matters Envisions a Greater austin area...
Where every child, beginning at birth, has the opportunities needed to reach optimal social, emotional and intellectual development in order to succeed in school and in life.
Where all children enter kindergarten prepared for school success and read on grade level by the end of third grade.
Why should your business care about early childhood education?
High-quality early learning for all children can transform the economic trajectory of our region. Strategic investments in early childhood development and learning are critical for supporting the workforce of today and preparing the workforce of tomorrow.