At EOAC, we’ve long known what research continues to confirm: early childhood education delivers one of the highest returns on investment of any public or private investment a community can make.
A recent brief from The Perryman Group reinforces this reality, outlining the powerful economic and social returns that come from investing early in children’s lives. From improved educational outcomes to stronger workforce participation and long-term economic growth, the evidence is clear — early childhood education benefits everyone.
The ROI of Early Childhood Education
According to the Perryman Group’s analysis, investments in early childhood education lead to measurable long-term outcomes, including:
- Higher educational attainment
- Increased lifetime earnings
- Reduced reliance on public assistance
- Lower involvement with the criminal justice system
- A stronger, more skilled workforce
In economic terms, this means every dollar invested early yields multiple dollars in return over time — benefiting families, employers, taxpayers, and communities alike.
What EOAC Sees Every Day
For EOAC, this research doesn’t live on a page — it lives in classrooms, homes, and families across the Heart of Texas.
Through Head Start, EOAC provides comprehensive early childhood education that goes far beyond academics. Children receive:
- High-quality early learning experiences
- Nutritious meals and health screenings
- Social-emotional and behavioral support
- Family engagement and parent education
At the same time, parents are supported with tools, resources, and stability that allow them to work, pursue education, and build stronger futures for their families.
This whole-family approach is exactly what research shows creates the greatest return.
Early Learning Builds a Stronger Economy
The Perryman Group’s brief highlights a critical truth: early childhood education is not just a social service — it is workforce development.
When children are prepared to succeed in school, parents are better able to participate in the workforce, employers gain access to a more capable labor pool, and communities experience long-term economic growth. EOAC Head Start plays a direct role in strengthening today’s families while preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
Why This Matters Now
As communities across Texas and the nation face workforce shortages, rising costs, and economic uncertainty, investing early is not optional — it’s essential.
EOAC’s decades of experience in early childhood education demonstrate that when we support children early, we reduce barriers later. The return isn’t just financial — it’s generational.
Research Confirms What We Know to Be True
The Perryman Group’s findings validate what EOAC has seen for 60 years:
early childhood education changes life trajectories.
When children start strong, families stabilize, and communities thrive.
At EOAC, we are proud to be part of that impact — and grateful for research that helps elevate the importance of this work at a statewide and national level.