1. Upstream Investments, Downstream Returns Michael Burke Vice President Buffett Early Childhood Fund mb@buffettearly.org Cell: 402-541-4143

4. One Thing Leads to Another Opportunity gapAchievement gap Productivity gap

5. Where is the Biggest Bang for the Buck?

7. Disparities in Early Vocabulary Growth 16 mos.24 mos.36 mos. Cumulative Vocabulary (Words) College Educated Parents Working Class Parents Welfare Parents Child’s Age (Months) 200 600 1200 Source: Hart & Risley (1995)

10. A Vision for an Upstream Investment Recognize children are born learning – and the first five years of life are the first five years of learning. Start early – with those at greatest risk. Close the productivity gap and erase the achievement gap by narrowing the opportunity gap. Ensure that disadvantaged young children – instead of starting school already behind – arrive at Kindergarten on par with average students across the country.

12. Educare – Partnership, Place, Program, Platform

14. Making Nebraska the Best Place in America to be a Baby