As of June 2020, it is still too early to know how state early childhood systems will be permanently changed by the COVID-19 crisis. But the need for early childhood data is not new to the pandemic and recovery. States can benefit from data to better understand the landscape of local early childhood services--and about resources needed to help families access those services. State leaders will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that early childhood education can succeed in the post-COVID-19 era. This brief explores steps state leaders can take to develop infrastructure, engage with communities, and leverage federal funds to support students in early childhood and beyond.