This report reviews and analyzes California policies that are designed to support early learning in children from birth through age five years. The analysis is limited to EC education-related programs and supports that are likely to directly affect children's cognitive and social development. Although all aspects of children's experiences affect their development, to make the report manageable, social services (e.g., related to child abuse and neglect or housing), nutrition programs, and health care services are not included. The information in the report comes primarily from state and locally collected data from original sources, extant reports that summarize information related to the topic, and research on effective early childhood practices and policies. Added to this information are findings from interviews with people who have firsthand experience and knowledge of early childhood programs and resources in California. (author abstract)