Decades of studies have shown that children who have access to high-quality early childhood programs complete high school with lower rates of suspension, arrests, and substance abuse issues, and have higher rates of employment as adults. Under Judge Lina Hidalgo’s leadership, Harris County has embarked on the design of an Early Childhood Initiative to ensure we are serving our youngest and most vulnerable residents the best we can to set them up for successful lives. Early childhood programs have one of the strongest returns on investment for any type of public program -- by investing in children ages zero to three, we are building an ever brighter future for our County.