Matt Regan worries about two things: high school dropout rates of 25 percent in California and the need to make preschool education a priority. He sees them as inextricably linked, asserting, as many educators do, that a child's enrollment in early education programs significantly increases the likelihood of graduation from high school, success in college and, ultimately, a better life. He believes the U.S. business community is better served with an educated workforce that will make it a competitive global player in the coming decades.

"There are countries that are cleaning our clocks when it comes to early education," said Regan, vice president of governmental relations for the Bay Area Council, a business-sponsored, public-policy advocacy group in San Francisco. He cited Europe and Japan as leaders in early childhood education.

Speaking to some 150 Solano business leaders, educators and elected county and city officials on Wednesday, he said the issue of increasing opportunities for preschool education "is a business imperative."

"We forget about human capital investment," he said during the Solano Economic Development Corporation's Fairfield breakfast meeting, themed "Business & Children - They Are More Connected Than You Think!"

As one of several speakers, Regan cited a lengthy Chicago study that tracked a sample population to age 40, some of which enrolled in preschool classes and others that did not. Those that passed through preschool programs tended

to be better educated, well-adjusted and successful. Additionally, he said the California dropout rate "is climbing."

"How do we fix these problems with limited funds?" Regan asked rhetorically.

Through public-private partnerships, community support and "advocacy efforts" targeted at county, state and federal leaders, he said.