Gateway 2

A Safe and Stimulating Early Childhood

A child who is nurtured emotionally and stimulated intellectually during the first years of life is much more likely to develop the self-confidence and cognitive abilities that will lead to greater opportunities throughout life.

A safe and stimulating early childhood sets the stage for success during the first years of school, when a child begins accumulating the tools needed to succeed academically and to take on the increasingly complex challenges of life.

Those who do not experience safe or stimulating early childhoods – or, worse yet, suffer emotional or physical abuse or neglect – are less likely to be prepared to enter school and are more likely to suffer academic and emotional problems that can inhibit later successes.

Indicator 1:  Children living in poverty or low-income families

Family economic security is an important part of a stable home environment.

Indicator 2:  Children with health insurance coverage

Having health insurance increases the likelihood that children will receive quality health care.

Indicator 3: Quality and affordable child care

Safe and affordable child care is critical for working mothers and families, and quality child care and education improves a child’s readiness for school.

Indicator 4: At-risk kids served by the Colorado Preschool Program

The Colorado Preschool Program is proven effective for preparing low-income children for school.

Read the whole chapter on Gateway 2: A Safe and Stimulating Early Childhood in Colorado: The State of Opportunity

2002 report • 2005 report

The Bell Policy Center's Gateways to Opportunity

Opportunity is not generated by a single action. To succeed in life, individuals must pass through a series of gateways:

1. A Healthy Birth

2. A Safe and Stimulating Childhood

3. Building a Solid Base for Literacy

4. Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle in Childhood and Adolescence

5. Leaving High School with a Diploma and the Skills to Succeed

6. Access to Education and Training for Adults

7. A Healthy Adult Life

8. Earning a Decent Living and Building Wealth

9. A Financially Secure and Healthy Retirement

These gateways are like steps on a long staircase. Missing one doesn’t mean you cannot succeed, but it does make the next step much steeper. Miss too many and the climb may become impossible.

Together, these gateways constitute the Cycle of Opportunity — those experiences and events that make it possible to realize one’s economic, social and personal potential.

Read more about the other gateways by clicking on the titles above.