I am sometimes asked “what keeps you up at night?”
For those who know me well, they know I sleep like a baby… meaning I toss and turn all night and wake up a bunch!
Today I want to share two things that keep me up at night (not to invoke bad sleeping in you, though) in the hope that if we all work together, we can all sleep better.
Here’s the first thing that keeps me up at night — 22.8% of our kindergarteners last year showed up “demonstrating readiness” for kindergarten as defined by state standards.
Essentially, in a classroom of 20 kids, 16 aren’t ready for kindergarten.
The goal is, of course, for all of our kids to be equipped to excel in school when they reach kindergarten. If they start their school career ready, then they generally stay on pace all the way through high school graduation. On-pace graduates also have better career outcomes, higher household income, and more economic mobility as they live their lives.
All of this information is evidence of the importance of preschool and high-quality early learning experiences for our children.
But the benefits extend beyond an individual child.
Every dollar invested in quality early learning returns three to four dollars to our community through reduced social services, lower crime rates, and increased economic productivity. Children in quality preschool programs show higher post-high school education attainment rates and better long-term economic outcomes.
This is the “economic value” of preschool and quality early learning experiences that is sometimes hidden.
Early learning experiences are more than economic – and academic – value, though.
Early learning environments provide what researchers call “protective and compensatory experiences” – supportive relationships with caring adults, safe spaces to learn and grow, and opportunities to build resilience. These experiences literally protect children from trauma and adversity.
Early learning experiences are also where parents meet each other and where friendships are formed. It’s where you build community with people and create connections that last a lifetime.
Hence, the fact that our kids, families, and community do not seem to have all of what they need in the early learning years keeps me up at night.
The second thing that keeps me up at night is that, despite the clear and comprehensive value of preschool and early learning, the business-side of preschool and early learning is deeply troubled.
The most recent evidence for this (as you may have already heard) is the news that St. Augustine is closing its preschool operation at the end of September.
Many of you likely have a connection to the preschool or the church. Some of you likely find this news upsetting for nostalgic reasons.
It’s okay to feel the weight of this loss.
But this moment can also be a turning point.
When one door closes, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to open others.
Losing this preschool means losing important capacity for our kids at a time when early learning is more critical than ever. But it also sparks an important question: how do we come together to ensure every child has the opportunities they deserve?
The Foundation is committed to working alongside families, educators, businesses, and local leaders to find solutions — because this isn’t just about one preschool. It’s about the future we want to build for Barberton’s children.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What creative solutions have you seen work? What would make the biggest difference for your family or business?
My door is open, and the coffee’s always on.
It’s a challenging but worthwhile question that we must accept.
I’m optimistic and energized to pursue the answer – will you join me?
In Community,
Josh Gordon
