By  ThinkProgress War Room

The U.S. Lags Behind in Early Childhood Education

During his State of the Union speech, President Obama proposed an ambitious new early childhood education initiative, including voluntary preschool for all four year-olds.

Investing in our children is obviously the right thing to do, but it’s also a way to grow our economy and reduce income inequality over the long-term. In fact, every dollar we invest in early childhood education yields a whopping $7 in savings.

Unfortunately, investment and enrollment in early childhood education in the U.S. lags behind — sometimes far behind — other countries. Check out these infographics from our Center for American Progress colleagues that illustrate the disparities:

You can read more on our lagging investments in early childhood education HERE.

BOTTOM LINE: It’s time to invest more in our kids and their early education. If we can afford to give Big Oil billions of dollars in subsidies every year, we should be able to afford pre-kindergarten for every four year-old in America.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

After growing backlash over her vote against background checks, Sen. Ayotte now cites fabricated NRA talking point to explain her opposition.

New Hampshire legislator attacks hero victim of bombing to claim Boston was an inside job.

Pro-background check votes boost senators in conservative states.

Five year-old boy kills sister with gun made especially for kids.

CEO pushing for big cuts to entitlements rake in millions from tax loopholes.

Women’s health groups slam Obama administration decision to appeal in order to keep Plan B restrictions in place.

GOP uses picture of Obama consoling Newtown victim to gloat over Obama’s “defeats.”

Maryland became the 18th state to repeal the death penalty.

GOP senator: I voted against equal pay for women because we already have enough laws.