The First 2,000 Days:
Why They Matter Most
The first 2,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their development, with 85% of brain growth happening by the time they reach kindergarten. Early experiences shape learning, memory, social skills, and cognitive development. Research shows that early childhood education leads to better academic, health, and life outcomes, including higher earnings and lower crime rates. However, many families in Orange County cannot afford quality preschool programs, limiting access to these essential opportunities.
Too many Orange County families struggle to give young children the chance they deserve.
13%
Orlando area workers’ wages below national average as of May 2022
15%
Estimated number of Orange County residents living below the poverty line, 2021
- about 10% higher than the statewide rate
- about 20% higher compared to the nationwide rate
21%
Estimated number of Orange County children under 18 living below the poverty line, 2021
50%
Percentage of Orange County children considered ‘not ready’ to enter kindergarten, 2022
Research has shown that children from families with lower incomes may experience a delay in their language and vocabulary development by the time they are 18 months old. This six-month setback in language skills can negatively affect their overall academic progress. As a result, they may face difficulties in other areas of learning. By the time they are ready to start kindergarten, only 48% of children from households below the poverty line are considered adequately prepared for school.
Without the learning support provided by early education programs, this readiness gap continues to widen, and unfortunately, it is difficult to close; children whose readiness is below par when they start school continue to struggle throughout their school career and beyond.
Please Donate today. Help ELCOC close the achievement gap by giving all of Orange County’s children the best possible preparation for school – and life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide every child with equal access to high quality early learning programs by supporting those who help children grow and develop.
Our Vision
Our vision is for every child in Orange County to enter kindergarten with the foundation necessary to reach their full potential.
Inclusion
We believe that all children, including those with disabilities or special health care needs, deserve to participate in a safe, affordable, high quality child care and learning environment.