What is the key to our future? Our kids are! Education is one the most important factors for young kids because 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of their life.

One quarter of Arizona’s students don’t graduate from high school. Research shows that when children are exposed to quality experiences in those developmental years, they are more likely to start school ready and complete high school. If we know this, we can focus our efforts on reversing this trend and ensuring that more students start prepared.

Arizona has an organization- First Things First- devoted to preparing our youngest citizens for success. They partner with parents and communities to give all Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

“We all have a shared responsibility to make sure that the future of Arizona is safe and secure,” First Things First Community Outreach Director Rana Simms said.

At McClintock, we have an early childhood program that teaches students the real meaning of being a parent and the responsibilities that come with having a kid. I asked a student why high school students should worry about early childhood.

“People should worry about early childhood because that’s when the child has fastest brain growth, and it’s easier for them to process what they’re learning or experiencing,” said sophomore Kaylene Benally.

In the early childhood program, students also learn how to interact with young children to maximize the child’s learning experiences. Benally had some opinions on why she thought early childhood is essential.

“Early childhood is essential because students learn about children, to understand how growth is important,” said Benally.

This issue affects us all. Research shows what happens to kids in their early years sets the foundation for their education. As future parents, business owners and employers, we all benefit when children have a strong start.