Ideas are not one-time "Eureka" moments, but are parts of concepts progressing forward. Sometimes years pass before ideas are implemented. They then resurface, connect with other ideas, and move policies ahead. Meanwhile, the idea remains alive in the field, influencing decisions and goals. Ideas build on one another when implemented. The field of early childhood care and education generates many ideas. The authors chose to write about four that have built initial good ideas into implemented policies and partial solutions. These are: (1) Progressive Professional Development; (2) Influential Research Findings; (3) Public Investments; and (4) System Development and Alignment. (Contains 1 figure.)