Science has shown that rapid human brain development occurs, and is highly influenced, months before birth through age five. Experiences during these early years help determine whether a child's brain development will provide a strong or weak foundation for future learning, behavior, and health, according to Harvard researchers. In FY08, eighteen major state and federal programs invested an estimated $300 million on services for pregnant women and very young children, not including Medicaid. However, policymakers are increasingly bombarded with confusing messages about which of these strategies and programs can actually improve children's life chances, thus complicating decision-making and efficient resource allocation. The Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) program evaluation reviewed research on the effectiveness and return on investment of certain programs or strategies that can positively impact very young children; assessed the level of state investment in early childhood programs, including prenatal care; and assessed performance results of selected programs, implementation of best practices and efforts to reduce or eliminate duplication of effort. (author abstract)