Ann O'Leary's speech at the Child Care Aware of America Symposium on the word gap and the importance of talking, reading and singing with babies and toddlers to build their brains and prepare them for later learning and good health outcomes.

Californians of 2025 will have a broad and deep appreciation of the importance of brain development of very young children – not just among advocates and researchers, but among grocery store managers, elementary school administrators, public transit operators, and governors.

The likelihood of a child's succeeding in school, leading a healthy life and productively contributing to the economic engine of California is largely set before the child ever crosses the threshold to kindergarten. Sadly, childhood poverty is the No. 1 predictor for educational success and health outcomes.

Sometimes, family must come first. In 2002, California took a historic step by passing the first paid family leave law in the nation. Last week, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the FAMILY Act, national legislation that follows in California's footsteps.

Today’s PISA scores tell us that to remain competitive in a global marketplace we need to recognize that investments in early education paired with deep parental involvement, and a strong focus on the distribution of school resources, will lay the foundation for achievement in school, college, career, and life.

Ann O'Leary remarks on the 75th anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Working parents are critical drivers of our current economy, but also hold in their hands our future economy through the support they provide their children, support they provide through the income they earn, and through the time they spend with their children.

We applaud the effort of Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Representative George Miller (D-CA) for introducing federal legislation that addresses the educational needs of all children in the earliest years, from birth to age five.

Report California can take ad­vantage of ACA implementation as a means toward increasing access to health coverage and vital benefits while also fostering work support programs and improving the statewide economy.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual report on child well-being is more evidence that we need a national focus on early education—not only in the public sphere, but also in the private sector, and in our personal lives.

California's budget surplus could help children in poverty, argues Ann O'Leary in this op-ed cross-posted from the San Francisco Chronicle.