The purpose of this qualitative narrative study is to explore how superintendents perceive the importance of early childhood education in their school districts amid the State of Illinois's continued cuts to education spending. Also, this study examines the perceptions of superintendents' decision-making processes as it relates to the funding of early childhood education. The study investigates the ethical dimension of the decision-making processes related to ECE funding. This narrative inquiry focuses on the lived experiences of four superintendents as they share their journeys as school administrators. Reflecting on their layered experiences as teachers, principals, and superintendents, the participants explore stories related to their careers and the difficult decisions they have had to make. Ethical dilemmas, controversial decision-making, negative external forces and the future of early childhood programs are some of the themes that emerged from the stories shared by the superintendents. The findings suggest four tendencies of the superintendent who participated in the study: (1) superintendents use a multiple ethical approach to decision-making; (2) superintendents are pragmatic; (3) significant underlying factors affect superintendent decision-making; and (4) superintendents support early childhood education (ECE) in their school districts. The results of this study have implications for superintendents and early childhood education practitioners. The superintendents in this study modeled a balanced ethical framework when making decisions, so that all stakeholders' needs are taken into consideration. Another implication is for superintendents and ECE practitioners to promote and advocate for ECE programs. Superintendents must lead the way for ECE's continued growth and success and ECE practitioners must support superintendents in their endeavors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]