How We Change Lives
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Neighborhood Centers’ early childhood programs provide children with the strong start they deserve — and families with the support they need. But due to funding cuts, this work is at risk.
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Why Early Education Matters
90% |
of a child’s brain develops before age 5
The foundation for learning, behavior, and health is built in the earliest years of life.
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60% |
of working parents say lack of child care has impacted their career
When early childhood programs close or become unaffordable, parents are forced to reduce hours, turn down promotions, or leave the workforce.
(Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation) |
13% |
annual return on investment
High-quality early childhood education yields long-term economic benefits through improved education, health, and workforce participation.
(Source: James Heckman) |
2x |
more likely to be kindergarten-ready
Children who attend quality early learning programs enter school with stronger language, math, and social-emotional skills.
(Source: NIEER & Urban Child Institute) |
25% |
higher likelihood of high school graduation
Children who attend high-quality preschool are more likely to graduate, attend college, and succeed in the workforce.
(Source: Perry Preschool Project) |
7% |
saved for every $1 invested in early childhood
Investing now reduces future spending on remedial education, social services, and the criminal justice system.
(Source: RAND Corporation) |
What Is At Stake
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This year, we are opening a new center that will expand our reach by 50%, adding 60 new early childhood slots for a population often overlooked — but both this new center and the families we currently serve are at risk without sustainable funding.
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Neighborhood Centers provides nationally accredited, culturally responsive early childhood education to families across Johnson County.
We currently offer 100 early childhood slots across our sites — and they’re always full, with many more families on our waitlist hoping for a spot. Without increased support, we face:
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How You Can Help
Donate |
to help fill the funding gap
Every dollar supports high-quality early learning and keeps classrooms open.
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Share the video |
with friends, colleagues, and local leaders
Help raise awareness by sharing this link on social media, by email, or in conversation
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Advocate |
for increased investment in early childhood at every level of government
Contact your local, state, and federal representatives — your voice matters.
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You Can Make a Difference
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Help protect and preserve the high-quality early childhood
education that our community depends on. Every child deserves a strong start. Every parent deserves reliable support. Every community deserves the chance to grow. |
Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about children — it’s about building stronger, safer, more successful communities.
Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us
Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us
