Last night, WBUR and Neighborhood Villages hosted “Childcare And The Future Of The American Dream,” a panel discussion featuring:

Nathaniel Hendren, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Founding Co-Director of Opportunity Insights

Linda Smith, Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Early Childhood Development Initiative, and

Michelle Sanchez, Principal of the Epiphany Early Learning Center

As WBUR explains on its website:

“Nearly 80 percent of parents with young children are in the workforce and access to quality childcare is needed now more than ever. Yet, it is becoming increasingly difficult for families to afford or find the child care they need to go work and sustain employment.”

“It has also become clear that early education plays a critical role in addressing disparities in education achievement and employment opportunity. Children’s early learning experiences directly impact their high school graduation rates, earnings, and health and wellness. Investment in child care and early education is critical to present and future upward economic mobility and achievement of the American Dream.”