Unifying and strengthening the early childhood workforce may be the single most important step towards closing the opportunity/achievement gap. The Foundation for Child Development has committed its energies and resources towards professionalization of the early childhood field, improving the quality of professional practice, and enhancing early childhood teacher preparation. The reality is that children in the greatest need deserve early care and education provided by professionals with the highest qualifications--yet they are least likely to get them. A diverse group of competent, qualified, and fairly compensated early childhood professionals, working in every community, is a force that can eliminate the gap and lift an entire generation out of poverty to make sure that each child--regardless of the zip code in which they live-- has a clear path to their full potential. The end goals should be: (1) All young children reach their full potential; the opportunity/achievement gap has been closed; (2) All early childhood educators are well-prepared, appropriately compensated, and supported in their professional growth, regardless of settings in which they work across the birth-third grade continuum; and (3) Systems are in place to ensure equity and diversity across the workforce, including a clear path for upward mobility across early childhood professional roles.