From the importance of play to the critical role of early education, this book dives deep into the challenges and opportunities that shape a child's earliest years. Ketchum and Loose provide actionable advice and real-world examples to help every child achieve their full potential, regardless of their starting point. Whether you're a parent, educator, medical professional, or advocate, "The Early Childhood Promise" equips you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children.

Join the movement to ensure every child has the best start possible. "The Early Childhood Promise" is more than a book; it's a call to action for a brighter, more equitable future.

Praise for The Early Childhood Promise:
“If you are an advocate for children, this is the book for you. The Early Childhood Promise provides valuable information and resources for parents, teachers, and early childhood educators who are truly invested in children. This engaging book provides current research-based information on a variety of critical topics, including kindergarten readiness, the value of play, the importance of limiting screen time, and the need for high-quality childcare. Everyone who believes that our children are the future should read this book.”
~ Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, & Author, Retro Baby and Retro Toddler

“This book is spot on! The research, data and solutions to the problems are clear. The family stories alone should wake up any American who cares about babies, children, families and the future of this country. We do, indeed, need a serious systematic paradigm shift with regard to early childhood and early childhood education!”
~ Dr. Kelly K. Cartwright Ed.D., Superintendent of Dover Area School District, PA

“As a parent, educator, principal, and early childhood advocate, I found The Early Childhood Promise to be an eye-opener. It eloquently highlights the critical importance of the first five years in a child's development and the invaluable role parents and caregivers play during this period. Dr. Ketchum and Dr. Loose make a compelling case for the necessity of quality early education and childcare, emphasizing how intertwined care and education are. Through real-world examples, The Early Childhood Promise sheds light on the decline in preschool and kindergarten readiness, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and stresses the need for early intervention for developmental delaysThis comprehensive work calls for systemic changes and community involvement to ensure every child gets the best start possible. It is an essential read for parents, educators, and policymakers committed to improving early childhood education and care.”
~ Adam M. Penning Ed. D., Principal

“As an elementary school teacher, every sentence in The Early Childhood Promise resonates with what I see and do in the classroom each day. This book is a must read! I’ve spent the past twenty-eight years teaching young children. Today, children come to school less ready to learn than ever before. Aimee and Crystal answer this question with great knowledge of and experience with babies and young children, as well as action steps each of us can take today to provide more hopeful futures for the youngest among us.”
~ Sue Hertzog, 2nd Grade Teacher