John, one of the most important days in a young child’s life is their first day of school — and we’re helping children get ready for it.

In rural America, 1 in 5 kids lives in poverty, and their families face huge barriers to accessing the vital resources they need to thrive. By teaming up with parents, schools and communities, Save the Children ensures every child gets a strong start in life.

We’re making a difference in places like Washington and Tennessee, where young children often have limited access to learning opportunities. Fewer teachers. Fewer libraries. Fewer books.

But we know that early childhood experiences are critical to a child’s development. Ninety percent of brain development happens by age 5. That means every chance to explore, play and learn early on in life builds a strong foundation for the future.

Below are just a few examples of our early childhood programs and their benefits. You can also discover how our Make Summer Fair campaign is creating more learning opportunities for children in rural America.

The best way to help children succeed in school and beyond is to reach them early. The long-term benefits of early childhood education are clear: Children who participate in high-quality childcare do better in school, earn more money later in life, pay more in taxes and contribute more to the overall economy.

Investments in early learning opportunities make sense, too. For every $1 spent on high-quality early education yields an estimated return of $7-$12, benefitting everyone.

Education is a human right, and that right begins with our youngest learners. By investing in early education, we can break the cycle of poverty in rural America and set children up for long-term success, creating a brighter future for generations to come. Learn more about our education work in rural America now. >>

Thank you for supporting children everywhere,

Save the Children