Research firmly establishes that early experiences have a profound impact on the development of children's brains and the cognitive, social, emotional and physical foundations of their lives. In fact, 85% of brain development happens before age 5.

P-3 includes high-quality, voluntary, full-day preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, full-day kindergarten for all children, and fully aligned, both vertical and horizontal, grades pre-K through 3. It also refers to high-quality experiences at home and in other settings for children younger than 3, along with solid health and mental health services and family support.

P-3 is the foundation of learning years, important because research tells us that by 4th grade only one in three American children can read at grade level. Further, for Black, Latino and Native American children, four out of five 4th graders are not reading at grade level. These realities make the creation of a solid P-3 system an imperative. Such a system needs to be coordinated, coherent, sustainable, efficient and accountable. No single grade can lead to the outcomes children need and deserve so every element, every grade, needs to be high quality and well connected to the rest. As policymakers bring these programs together into a functioning system, it is critical that they also consider how these programs and services are embedded in our K-20 education system.