This reference book is designed to provide researchers and advocates with tools to investigate issues related to early education and care financing in the United States. These materials can be used to explore various factors that contribute to the current shortage of high-quality early care and education programs. For example, the enclosed reviews of research will assist advocates, policymakers, and researchers in assessing local child care supply and demand.1 The included cost/estimate models provide examples of ways to estimate the need for and benefits of additional public investments in early care and education for children and working families.