A new Wired story offers a strong review and support of the reasons to invest in preschool, focusing on how it can develop self control, persistence and other traits not linked to IQ tests but more valuable once students start working.

It also helps to redefine the fade-out argument. While gains from a top-quality early learning classrooms that can be measured on tests may fade later in grade school, there are other gains that may help those students succeed in life.

…The gains from preschool appear to be so significant and consistent that, according to (University of Pennsylvania’s Flavio) Cunha and (University of Chicago professor James) Heckman, investing in early childhood education is just about the most cost-effective way to spend public money. -- How Preschool Changes the Brain, Wired, 7/2710.

Beyond the research, though, this story is worth noting because it appeared in Wired. It is the latest analysis of early learning’s benefits to run outside academic and policy journals or as a news story tied to a speech by academic or policy experts. When support for investing in child care and preschool start appearing in Wired and other media outlets it is proof those ideas are gaining traction.

Check out EarlyStories’ analysis of Wired’s story in "IQ Less Important than Grit."

Legislative Update: The Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee approved a $989-million increase for Head Start, with much of the money targeted to Early Head Start, the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP reports. Read more

The bill also contains a $1 billion increase in child care aid for low-income families, the group said, and $300 million for the Obama administration’s Early Learning Challenge Fund.

The full Appropriations Committee is slated to consider the bill this Thursday.