Children’s earliest experiences set the stage for life-long health, emotional well-being, learning and achievement. Learn why the early years are critical to healthy development and the major policies and programs legislators are likely to consider. Learn about disparities in access and outcomes for children of color, as well as the effectiveness and return on investment of policies and programs supporting young children and their families. Speakers are Patrick Lyons, Melissa Mincic, and Jennifer Palmer, NCSL; and Al Race, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University.