Local opinion: Early childhood care, education fights crime

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

As Chief of Police for Tucson, I have seen firsthand the impact of early childhood experiences on the path kids take in life. Many of the challenges our city faces with public safety often have roots that can be traced to the earliest years of life. It is this experience that has shown me the importance of high-quality early childhood education, not just as a beneficial investment in our children’s futures but as a critical strategy for crime prevention.

As a member of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a group of law enforcement leaders that promote programs that keep kids on the right path, I have seen compelling evidence that supports the link between early childhood education and reduced crime rates.

Research points to the importance of early character development as a significant factor for deterring later involvement with the criminal justice system. A study examining 800 kindergarteners found that those with high levels of these executive functioning skills were less likely to later have involvement with police or be held in a detention center.

A recently released report outlined how children who have access to high-quality early childhood education are also less likely to engage in criminal activities later in life. These programs offer more than just academic preparation; they provide the foundations upon which successful and law-abiding lives are built.

Despite their effectiveness, Arizona’s current early childhood system falls short of meeting the needs of our youngest children, their families, and the educators who serve them. Many families, especially those with low incomes, struggle to find childcare. The services that are available are often too expensive or do not meet the standards of high-quality care. This not only places a burden on parents but also compromises the potential benefits of early education experiences that facilitate healthy development.

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This shortage of quality, affordable childcare is an issue that has existed for a long time in Arizona but was made worse by the pandemic. Nearly 41,000 childcare educators nationwide had to shut down since February 2020, creating a workforce shortage that we are still feeling today. A recent report by ReadyNation showed that on top of the public safety implications of this shortage, our state loses $4.7 billion annually due to the lack of childcare for children from birth to age 5.

In order to help these providers bounce back, we need to address the compensation and professional development needs of early childhood educators. These dedicated professionals are the cornerstone of high-quality childcare, yet they are often undervalued and underpaid. Investing in our educators is investing in the quality of our children’s early learning experiences. Higher wages, ongoing training, and support are essential to retain talented educators and ensure that children receive the nurturing and education they deserve.

Furthermore, the availability of quality childcare options is crucial for the many Arizona parents who are in the workforce. As someone working in law enforcement, I can tell you first-hand the critical need for childcare for children whose parents don’t work traditional hours. As law enforcement departments around the country are dealing with recruitment and retention problems, providing support for childcare, especially for female personnel and single parents, is critical.

The evidence is clear — early childhood education programs not only support the developmental needs of children but also offer a powerful tool for preventing crime. We need state and federal policymakers to take action to support evidence-based policies that improve the availability, affordability, and quality of these programs.

We have a collective responsibility to ensure that our youngest children have the strong start in life they need to grow into productive, responsible adults. Let’s work together to make high-quality early childhood education a reality for all children in Arizona. Our future public safety depends on it.