A smiling pre-school student clutches a book to her chest at the Early Steps for School Success program (ESSS) in Barnwell, South Carolina.
U.S. Education Programs
Importance of Early Learning
Did you know that nearly 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they turn 6? Yet children from low-income families hear roughly 30 million fewer words by age 3 and can enter school more than 18 months behind their more affluent peers. In fact, millions of kids living in rural America don’t own a single book. That’s why early learning opportunities are so critical for children, regardless of their family’s income.
Our education experts work across rural America, providing early learning opportunities through Early Steps, Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Our school-age programs provide supplemental support to struggling readers during school, and in afterschool and summer settings. These programs are proven to accelerate achievement for at-risk children and have been replicated in more than 100 communities across the country.
The education component of these programs helps children develop socially and emotionally while addressing the large gaps in school preparedness and readiness that can be linked to family income. Comprehensive social service offerings help entire families improve their situation and better support their youngest members.
Explore Our Child Education Work in the U.S.
Advocate for Education Funding
Right now, $7 billion in previously approved federal education funding is currently on hold. This delay could force summer and afterschool programs and other safe learning environments to shut down. Education programs and are running out of time.
Join Save the Children's political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), and Tell Congress: Demand the Department of Education release the funds NOW.