Vermont’s Early Learning Challenge (ELC) was a $36.9 million, federally funded, four-year grant to help build a high-quality and accessible early childhood system in the state so that all young children will be ready to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Getting kids ready for school means more than helping with their ABCs, packing their lunches, and getting them to the bus on time. About 80% of a child’s critical brain development happens before age three (and 90% by age five) and the brain connections made during this time are critical for a child to succeed in school, relationships, and the workforce. The Early Learning Challenge grant supported early learning and the healthy physical, social, and emotional development of children to lay the foundation for future success.