This brief examines the historical barriers to early care and education (ECE) in various settings, the effects of preschool on child academic outcomes for school readiness, and the implications for expanding access to high-quality ECE in North Carolina. The following research questions will guide this research brief: a. What are the historic barriers to investments in high-quality early care and education (ECE) in North Carolina? b. Considering these historic barriers, what targeted ECE investments are needed to promote equitable resource allocation considering the recent Leandro decision? (author abstract)