Dara Erk

The Preschool Mandate: How Do We Get It Right?

Chaka Fattah, Mila Henn, Lisa Poon, Phyllis Stewart Pires, Elanna Yalow, Dara Erk

The event synthesizes neuroscientific data and economic research to argue for a federal "Preschool for All" initiative and corporate adoption of workplace childcare to address critical developmental gaps in children under five. Panelists examined specific implementations by leaders like President Obama, Cisco Systems, and the Cleveland Clinic, highlighting how early investment yields high returns while navigating challenges in workforce standards and accreditation. The discussion concluded with a consensus on the urgent need to reframe early education as essential infrastructure rather than mere childcare to secure future global economic competitiveness.