This report highlights recent state legislative efforts to expand early care and education, promote the development of young children, and meet a variety of state policy goals. Chapter 1, "The Role of Early Childhood Care and Education in State Public Policy," presents the rationale for policymakers from a range of policy jurisdictions to consider early care and education and summarizes program characteristics associated with effectiveness. Subsequent chapters discuss effects of early care and policy on various policy areas and describe state legislative approaches that integrate early childhood services. Chapter 2, "Economic and Labor Implications of Early Childhood Care and Education," examines benefits to current and future employers from early childhood services. Chapter 3,"The Implications of Early Childhood Services and School-Age Child Care for Public Education," examines the impact of these services on academic success. Chapter 4, "The Implications of the Early Childhood Services for Juvenile Justice," considers the role of early childhood services in preventing later delinquency, crime, and child abuse. Chapter 5, "The Role of Early Childhood Care in Health Policy," highlights state efforts to link health and early care needs. Chapter 6, "Child Care Regulations and Quality of Care," focuses on state regulations in enhancing quality. Chapter 7, "Early Childhood Services and Welfare Reform," describes the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and opportunities to consolidate child care services under one administration. Chapter 8, "Early Care and Family Support," identifies several state programs experimenting with multigenerational family support and education programs. Each chapter has references. (Contains appendix with references for further information.) (KB)