A new state poll conducted by the bipartisan team of Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates shows that North Carolina voters view early childhood education as critically important for the state and nation. Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents support investments in early childhood programs in the state--including expanding access to Smart Start, Pre-K, teacher training and home visiting programs. More than four in five (83%) say that these investments would help North Carolina's economy. (author abstract)