The first three years of a child’s life are critical, a formative period that can lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning and the best possible outcomes throughout their lives. Research shows that investing in high-quality early childhood programs leads to students being more likely to graduate from high school and college, makes communities safer, and stops the school-to-prison pipeline that keeps too many children and young adults from reaching their full potential. But across New York State, hundreds of thousands of families are prevented from accessing the high-quality programs, services, and opportunities they need to raise healthy and thriving children. Raising New York aims to change that. Raising New York is a diverse statewide coalition of parent, early childhood, education, civil rights, business, and health organizations dedicated to increasing the number of children who are on track for school readiness. Families of infants and toddlers care deeply about surrounding their children with the care and nurturing support they need to flourish. Investing in high-quality early childhood programs is a window to the brightest possible future for New York’s children. Together, we can make New York State the best place in the country to have and raise a child. Here’s what it takes.