Early learning opportunities from birth to age 5 are critical for children's development and later educational success. Children from low-income families often start school behind due to fewer language and cognitive experiences in early childhood. Providing educational support to parents and children as early as birth can help address developmental diversity and close achievement gaps. Research shows high-quality early childhood programs improve school readiness and lead to higher graduation rates, college completion, employment outcomes, and lower incarceration and health costs later in life.