What do many neuroscientists, economists, psychologists, generals, faith leaders, parents, Republican and Democratic governors, teachers, principals, researchers, state and federal legislators, and business leaders all have in common? They share a belief that investing in high-quality early childhood education and early childhood educators will make America brighter, stronger, and more competitive.

Why? Because decades of research show that early investment produces positive outcomes for our children, our families, and the economic future of our country.

From our nation’s inception, we have held a collective belief that all children, regardless of their circumstances, should have a fair shot at freedom and economic opportunity that comes with our democracy. But in reality, when kids start behind, they often stay behind—limiting their potential and their contributions to our country.

Our nation can and must do better to create opportunities that help all children and families succeed.

In all of our work, NAEYC aims to ensure that our nation’s policies and practices catch up with the significant body of research and science about the individual and collective benefits that accrue when children have access to high-quality early learning settings with supported, skilled, and knowledgeable teachers—because that’s when we will deliver on the promise of early learning.

Download NAEYC’s federal and state agendas to learn more about how NAEYC thinks we can get there, taking steps to provide federal fundingthat supports families in need; build a strong early education workforce; and support smart tax incentives that help families and drive quality, while promoting both equity and excellence.

Download a print version of the NAEYC Federal Agenda

Download a print version of the NAEYC State Agenda

Then think about this: if the 117th Congress were to adopt the recommendations NAEYC has outlined, hundreds of thousands of children, families, and educators in this country would benefit, as well as their workplaces, schools, and the economy of both today and tomorrow. These actions represent critically important steps—yet they remain steps.

In order to fully deliver on the promise of high-quality early learning for all children, NAEYC believes that our country must prioritize and implement a bold family and values vision that is rooted in the early years by:

• Defining and fully funding access to high-quality early childhood education at scale, regardless of state or setting
• Ensuring that all families can choose among options that meet high-quality standards and afford the early learning setting that is right for them
• Ensuring that early childhood professionals are diverse, effective educators and leaders working within a compensation and recognition system that supports their excellence

Learn more about NAEYC’s vision and priorities—and join America for Early Ed today to mobilize and help us work together with policy makers, families, educators, business leaders, economists, scientists, and researchers to bring us closer to fulfilling our mission of delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning for our children, our families, and our country.