States across the country are tackling the nation’s reading emergency through policies that target K-3. But a growing coalition of educators acknowledge this is not enough, and the key to academic success in literacy and math may hinge on building a strong learning foundation that bridges early childhood to K-3. Innovative states and districts are strengthening and aligning early childhood and K-3 to create a developmentally-appropriate educational experience for our youngest learners and, in turn, boost academic outcomes. This session highlights the innovators who are championing this change.