To the editor:

With the start of the school year, our thoughts turn to children’s learning and development. We know the importance nurturing children through reading and singing to them, engaging them in play with colorful objects, providing sound nutrition, and involving children in other activities that will enhance their early childhood development. That’s why I hope readers will join me in urging Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman to cosponsor legislation being introduced by Reps. Castro (D-TX) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that would bring early childhood development (ECD) to children all around the world.

Most people don’t know that since 1990, U.S. international aid has saved the lives of nearly 100 million children, an amazing accomplishment. But we need to make sure that children do more than survive — we need to help them thrive. That’s where ECD comes in. In poorer countries, integrating early childhood development into child-focused foreign assistance programs costs 50 cents per child per year, and we know that it improves their well-being.

Living in refugee camps and other dire situations can bring terrible harm to children, but early childhood development can mitigate some of the worst effects. Princeton residents care about our community and the world around us. Urge our congresswoman to play a leadership role on this legislation.

Sam Daley-Harris
Dorann Avenue

The author founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS, the Microcredit Summit Campaign, and Civic Courage.