The effectiveness of North Carolina's response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be measured by how it supports families and children in staying healthy and safe and how it minimizes the economic harm to our families and communities from necessary public health measures. The early childhood sector, which has been deemed an essential service by the governor, is on the front lines of responding to COVID-19 by providing child care to other essential workers. It also will be an essential part of the recovery and should increasingly be valued for its critical role in serving families in communities across the state and promoting the broader goals for health, educational attainment, and well-being. (author abstract)