Leading economists conclude that investments in young children may be the best way to stimulate economic growth, and investments in young children's social and emotional development may be the most productive of these investments. The science base for these conclusions comes from two independent streams of research: neuroscience and developmental psychology research indicating the impact of early experiences and environments on later learning and health; and longitudinal studies of the economic impact of early supports for low-income families with young children. Programs that have had the greatest impact are those that include high-quality child care that establishes a foundation for social/emotional skills in individual children while providing economic and social supports for their families.