Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards guide educators in selecting and developing curriculum to provide appropriate, educationally beneficial opportunities for young children from infancy through the end of preschool. The years between birth and age five are critical to the lifelong success of each child. During this time, a foundation is built which will impact each child’s ability to learn, grow, and develop the necessary skills to become an independent, productive, and happy adult. The hope is that wherever young children spend their day, they are challenged to discover and learn through play, empowered to become caring and resilient, and prepared for success through meaningful opportunities to practice foundational skills. (author abstract)