State Assembly Members Joined Fight Crime: Invest in Kids to Discuss the State of Early Childhood Education in California

SACRAMENTO, CA — Fight Crime: Invest in Kids joined state lawmakers to discuss the critical link between early childhood education and public safety. The discussion underscored the importance of supporting the early education workforce as a strategy for crime prevention and to set young Californians on a path to success, as reflected in a report released by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids earlier this year.

“As a father, grandfather, former school board member and District Attorney, the math is simple: invest in our kids, and we will reduce crime not only for our generation, but for the generations after us. Support for high-quality child care is an investment in our future public safety, helping to prevent crime, and to support those that help keep Americans safe,” said Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County District Attorney.

“When children are given a strong foundation they are more likely to succeed in school, have lower suspensions and expulsions, and are more likely to graduate high school - all of which correlates to lower juvenile crime. Quality childcare gives them that foundation,” said Morgan Gire, Placer County District Attorney. “We need policymakers to continue to invest in strategies that support the workforce behind the workforce that makes high-quality early childhood education programs possible.”

“Early education is the foundation upon which a child’s future is built,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “By investing in it, we’re not just shaping young minds, but shaping the course of our communities. Early education serves as a vital crime prevention strategy, laying the groundwork for a successful life. I’m proud to be an advocate of early education, championing investments to make it more accessible for families, to benefit children of all ages.”

“What I learned from my years in law enforcement is that some of the best tools for keeping children safe are the programs that give kids the best foundation they need to keep them on the right path and away from crime. And the only way to ensure that those programs work, is by ensuring our children are being cared for by highly-qualified, well-compensated early education professionals,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis.

The law enforcement leaders of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids know that early childhood education programs are a powerful way to give kids the right start in life and help them avoid becoming involved in crime later.