This accessible and engaging work introduces current and future teachers child care providers and others interested in early childhood education to the importance of the early years in childrena's well-being and success. It summarizes the research on the value of high-quality services for young children families and society showing why early education matters both today and into the future. Emphasizing the need to understand and respect young childrena's strengths and unique characteristics the authors offer inspiration for working in the field as well as addressing the realistic challenges of implementing developmentally appropriate care and education.