The TRUTH About Daycare (Myths & Misconceptions) with Dr. Dan Wuori

In this episode (S4E21), I welcome Dr. Dan Wuori, founder of Early Childhood Policy Solutions and strategic advisor at The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation™, to discuss his book, The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It).

Key Discussion Points:

➡️The three simple truths of early development: learning begins in utero, the prenatal to age 3 period is uniquely consequential, and brain development is optimized through stable one-on-one interactions

➡️Why terms like "daycare" and "childcare" need to be reconceptualized to reflect their true educational nature

➡️The crisis in early childhood education, including 40% annual teacher attrition and severe wage disparities

➡️State-level innovations in early childhood policy, highlighting initiatives in New Mexico, Vermont, Washington D.C., and North Dakota

➡️The economic case for investing in early childhood education, featuring research by Nobel laureate James Heckman showing a 13.1% annual return on investment

Striking Statistics:

💡1 in 4 American mothers must return to work within two weeks of giving birth

💡Early childhood educators earn 59 cents per hour less than dog walkers

💡40% of early childhood teachers leave the field annually

Some Episode Mentions:

➡️ Research by Dr. James Heckman, Nobel Prize-winning economist

➡️ New Mexico's free child care program is bringing relief that millions of U.S. families need

➡️ The Vermont Child Care Contribution

➡️ Washington D.C. Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund

➡️ North Dakota - Governor Doug Burgum

➡️ South Carolina Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition Plan: Family Engagement

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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.