All in for Early Learning

Early Learning Impacts Everything

By age 3, a child’s brain is already 85% developed and 90% developed by age 5. These early years are vitally important in shaping the way children think, learn and interact with the world around them. The benefits of high-quality early education are far-reaching:

Children are more likely to succeed in school, graduate and become contributing citizens
Families are better able to participate in the workforce
Communities see long-term economic growth
Need for and cost of intervention in K-12 is minimized

But when children start kindergarten behind, the odds are stacked against them. 75% never catch up. That gap follows them through third grade, eighth grade and beyond.

Two young children at a wooden table in a colorful playroom

85%

A child’s brain is 85% developed by age 3 and 90% by age 5

$5.4B

in lost economic value due to lack of childcare access

$13,000

Many Florida families spend at least $13,000 a year for early learning for one child

100%

Florida’s 2030 goal: 100% kindergarten readiness

Your Role

Parents and Families

Early years, lasting impact.

You are your child’s first teacher. Access to early learning helps your child develop critical skills before they even start kindergarten.

Education Professionals

Unlock every child’s potential.

Florida’s education workforce – from early learning to K-12 to higher education – shapes our future every day. We support career pathways, fair pay and professional growth so early educators can thrive.

Legislators and Policymakers

A strategic investment with lasting impact.

Expanding access to early learning drives better education, economic growth and lower social service costs.

Business Leaders

A strong workforce starts here.

From childcare to future-ready talent, early learning supports employees today and prepares the workforce of tomorrow.

Medical Community

Advance every child’s well-being.

Florida’s medical community ensures strong health foundations and early intervention for school readiness and lifelong success.

Testimonials

Brian Butler

President & CEO, Vistra Communications

"I’m all in for early learning because I know its impact on the development of young children - helping prepare them to be future leaders and productive citizens in our communities and economy."

Dr. Lourdes Quintana Forster

Medical Director, Reach Out and Read Florida

“As a general pediatrician, I focus on early relational health and early literacy by promoting playing, singing and reading aloud to babies and children. If a baby’s development is a concern, referrals to early intervention may be necessary. In a high-quality early learning environment, educators help support parents with all of this, too.”

Maria Somera

Parent, Sarasota

“When my kids got access to early learning, it changed the destiny of my whole family. We always say children don’t come with an instruction manual, but together with other parents and educators, I felt supported in my parenting journey. I also gained a better understanding of my kids’ learning abilities and how I could help them succeed—detecting challenges early so we could address them early. That’s all I want for every parent and every child.”

Mark Wilson

President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce

"As I've said many times, when you fix early learning, you fix 1,000 other things."

All in for Early Learning — Here’s How

Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker or concerned  citizen, your voice matters.

I'm ALL IN

Florida’s future starts with early learning. Share stories, post online, and use our campaign tools—every action spreads the message that early learning is Florida’s smartest investment.

Connect with your Legislator

Reach out to your legislator by inviting them to your school or connecting through stories, special events, and conversations that highlight the power of early learning. Every connection helps leaders better understand and support the field.

House Senate

Celebrate Early Learning Day

Florida’s All in for Early Learning Day, held each year on the fourth Monday in January, shines a spotlight on children, families, and the early learning field. Together, we can build awareness and inspire action across our state.