In this Report, we investigate the economic consequences of early childhood education in North Carolina. Early education and child care systems encompass a range of providers and programs for children from birth up to kindergarten entry. We show how this system influences the employment and incomes of working families. Critically, we analyze how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected early education and in turn work opportunities for parents across North Carolina. Our analysis draws on a new survey – conducted state-wide in the Fall of 2020 – on over 800 working families. (author abstract)