Americans across the political spectrum embrace universal early childhood education. But what about school-success initiatives that reach back even further to support newborns, toddlers, and their parents? What can be achieved when educators, abuse-prevention experts, parents, government officials, businesses, philanthropies, and community groups collaborate?

Panelists analyzed the complexities of enacting effective school-readiness policies and programs. Their observations addressed what’s behind the latest interest in such initiatives, the social and political environments needed for successful early learning centers and home visitation efforts, the lessons states can draw from Illinois’ recent experience; and the importance of integrating home-based and learning-center programs, and providing consistent training and supervision for providers.