Watch the video below to hear Governor and First Lady Carney explain what’s at stake, and why Delaware is focused on creating better opportunities for all the children and families who call the state home.
Investing in Quality Early Childhood Education Is Good for Delaware’s Economy
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In 2020, Delaware increased their commitment to advancing early learning by:
Hiring the first Associate Secretary for Early Childhood Support
Implementing grants, such as the Child Care Remote Learning Grants
Committing to doubling the funding for the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP)
Do You Believe in the Importance of Quality Early Childhood Education?
$7.30
is the potential ROI value for every $1 spent on high-quality early childhood education.
Source: The Learning Policy Institute (2019)
90%
of a child’s brain development occurs before kindergarten entry at age five.
Source: The Hunt Institute (2021)
39TH
is where the U.S. is ranked globally in terms of overall child health and well-being.
Source: The Lancet (2020)
The benefits of investing in early learning are clear, which is why there’s growing bipartisan support for legislation and programs that help kids thrive.
It’s Time to Take Action
1
Support Local Programs and Leaders Who Value Education
Right now, our nation has an opportunity to invest in future generations by giving every child the chance to fulfill their potential. Learn where your local leaders stand on this important issue and make your voice heard.
2
Speak Up and Start a Conversation
Discuss the importance of early learning with your family members, neighbors, colleagues and friends. If you’re part of an organization that could benefit from a discussion on this topic, consider hosting a FREE virtual community screening of our film, Starting At Zero. Learn more and sign up here.
3
Stay Informed
Sign up below for updates from the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. Our email newsletters share research, events and other opportunities and are sent one to two times per month.
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FAQs
What is 'Starting At Zero?'
Starting at Zero is a documentary film that explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to attain the American Dream. After its release in 2020, the film has became the centerpiece of an impact campaign that has ignited local conversations at 100+ events across the nation. Learn more here.
Who is behind this — and why are you focused on this topic?
Starting At Zero is produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, which is deeply committed to creating standards of fairness and a level playing field for those living in poverty and adversity by supporting equal treatment through high quality early childhood learning and improving K-12 and college graduation rates.
Why the focus on Delaware?
While national legislation tends to get the most media coverage, decisions and policies on the state and local levels have the most impact on whether our communities’ children have access to the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We featured Delaware on this webpage and the video above because it’s a great example of a state that’s proactively prioritizing education. Our work features other states, too. In fact, the Starting At Zero documentary contains interviews with past and current governors from Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Who is Saul Zaentz?
Saul Zaentz was a media entrepreneur in the music and film industry. He built the largest independent Jazz record label in the world, Fantasy Records and, through the Saul Zaentz Company, became a prominent independent film producer. His film projects earned 34 Oscar® nominations and 22 wins, including three Academy Awards for Best Picture®. His major works included One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus, The English Patient and The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
What distinguished Saul Zaentz in the entertainment industry was his bold action in selecting artists and projects and his willingness to take substantial risks in advancing his productions.
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