Quality early care and education programs are effective strategies for improving the health and development of young children and increasing their life success in adolescence and young adulthood. Positive effects are particularly strong for children at risk of poor outcomes because of poverty or other family circumstances.

Our funding in this area aims to promote the well-being of children from prenatal through age eight and to facilitate transitions to school. In this area, we have three objectives: 

•  Increase public investment in early care and education through advocacy and applied research. 
• Build a comprehensive system of quality early care and education services by integrating public policies and resources at the state and local levels.
• Strengthen early care and education through high-quality technical assistance, professional development, and leadership development at the state and local levels.