Brains are built, not born. During the first 2,000 days of life—from birth until kindergarten—a child’s brain develops more quickly than at any other time. What happens during these days at home and in other care settings builds the foundation for all future learning. Ready for School, Ready for Life is bringing together various stakeholders to ensure that all children in Guilford County are ready for kindergarten and beyond. Early childhood is a workforce development issue. People who have high-quality experiences during the early years are more likely to read on grade level, graduate from high school, earn a higher salary, contribute more in taxes, and are healthier throughout their lifetimes. Parents whose children are in affordable, high-quality childcare settings are also less likely to leave the workforce.