Early Education, College Education: Which is an Investment?

When I was a little girl, I remember lining up my stuffed animals and dolls.  They became a 'class' of 18 students when I turned 9 or 10.  I would repeat the words that I heard my teachers say, "If you play during learning time, you will need to sit with me at recess time.  It was only when I had my own children, that I realized the importance of early investing.  As a student of 'Early Education,' I always found it to be quite enriching to work in the industry, investing in my children.  

Finding a high quality ECE program for children was difficult in the '90s, because of factors related mostly to cost.  At that time, I worked in the industry and was 'hooked.'  I could not bear the thought of not working in a program where I could 'oversee' the growth and development of my own children. However, the cost has soared, and there are a plethora of options.  Unfortunately, the cost and quality are still factors that impact the industry to this day.  Now that one of my children has graduated high school, and I have four more that must do the same eyeing the dollar amounts is second nature.  So, when should I begin talking to my children about their college education?  I would suggest, now!  It's never too early for positive college talk.  It is important that children aren't overwhelmed with 'too much' at one time.  Establish criteria, and show children how to research their interests to aid them as they goal set.  

So, to answer the original question, both early childhood education and college education are an investment.  If the education conversation begins early, children will have the opportunity to set goals and create ways to reach those goals.    In terms of cost, they are very close.  The average family spends nearly $10K per year in early childhood costs, and the average in-state tuition rates at many colleges is in the same range.  Invest early!