At the height of the Great Recession, this video from Professor Heckman illustrates his idea that investing in early childhood development was a smart way to create a stronger economy. Heckman notes that politicians who want to invest in infrastructure as a way to boost the economy would find far greater returns from investing in people rather than filling potholes.
Today, the debate continues about how to invest dollars to help boost our economy, improve workforce development and have a positive impact on equity in our country. I would argue that investing in people, in families, and especially in our infants and toddlers is going to have the highest rate of return.