Report Says Saline County Needs To Improve Early Childhood Education

Did you know that 31% of Saline County's youngest citizens -- ages 5 and under -- are at risk?

That is according First Five Nebraska, a non-profit group that advocates more focus on early childhood development.

According to First Five, Nebraska has more than 47,000 children ages 0-5 who are at risk in failing school and later in life.  This is an increase of nearly 5,000 kids over the past five years.

The group reports that without quality early childhood learning opportunities, these kids are:

• 25% more likely to quit high school;
• 40% more likely to become a teen parent;
• 50% more likely to be sent to special education classrooms;
• 70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime.

Saline county has seen a 5% increase in at-risk kids since 2005.  The figures compiled by First Five were reached by estimating the the number of children 5 years and younger who are at  below 185% of the federal poverty line, as well as incorporating other factors.  The 185% marker is about $40,700 in annual income for a family four -- an average income in Saline County, which offers a low cost of living compared to larger cities. 

Still, we think the study and the cause of First Five deserves serious consideration, particularly in our area if we are to grow Dorchester and its quality of life.  See the study and the First Five Nebraska website by clicking here.