Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County Early Childhood Investment Cost Model

States, cities and counties that invest in early childhood development see up to a 10% annual rate of return on their money, according to Nobel Laureate Economist James Heckman. Research has consistently shown that high-quality early childhood programs result in superior long-term education, health, social and economic outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged children and their families. Children participating in these programs will be much less likely to: drop out of school, get pregnant, commit crimes or use drugs.

Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, through its investment approach, has embraced this prevention and early intervention philosophy for more than two decades.

The Early Childhood Investment Cost Model

The Investment Cost Modeling tool assists CSC’s Board and staff in analyzing various cost-benefit scenarios, providing program and system investment models and configurations. Cost modeling also helps CSC assess the impact of changes in access, quality and funding levels, providing the information necessary to maximize existing resources to support CSC’s goal of developing a high-quality early childhood system of care.

As an analytical tool, the model helps the review and analysis of the projected social return on investment (SROI) for its program and system investments, for both current and prospective programs.

To learn about CSC’s early childhood investment policies and principles, please click here.