This brief explores the benefits for children, families, and communities of two early education and care programs: home visiting and preschool. For both program areas, we identify how the Great Lakes states vary in their approaches and results. Finally, we offer recommendations for Great Lakes state leaders and local stakeholders looking to improve their programs through increased funding and realize the benefits of quality early childhood education.

This brief is part of a series recommending policies that will build ladders of opportunity and economic mobility for young people in the six state Great Lakes region—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.