“There’s no time where a human brain is more plastic and able to learn and develop than between zero and three,” Saltzman said. “Let’s take full advantage of that and make sure kids from all income brackets and all neighborhoods get to school ready to soar.”
He said Robin Hood intends to spend $50 million over five years on the program as it continues other initiatives to fight poverty, including job training and support of food pantries and homeless shelters. But readiness for school can help diminish those needs, helping children reach milestones necessary to avoid poverty.
“Early childhood programs pack a poverty-fighting wallop and that’s why we want to support them,” Saltzman said.