Recent studies have found that investing in high-quality early childhood development (ECD) programs can positively impact children, their families, taxpayers, and the government. Studies suggest that one critical form of education, early childhood development is grossly under-funded and managed, investment in ECD yields an extraordinary return on most investments, private or public. In the future any proposed economic development list should have early childhood development at the top. This paper examines the likely benefits of investing in a high-quality, large-scale, publicly funded ECD program for children living in poverty. The author provides an overview of the characteristics and benefits of a high-quality ECD program. (Contains 4 figures and 13 endnotes.)