In this paper, we offer an introduction to ESSA, exploring major provisions that have implications for the early learning system. We cover opportunities for young children, birth through third grade. We touch upon both state and local opportunity for which all states and localities draw down money, and highlight, as well, a few areas in which the U.S. Department of Education will distribute funds on a competitive basis. We draw attention to how ESSA can help state and community leaders meet the needs of dual language learners (DLLs), who are a growing and vital part of the population. Our goal is to introduce key provisions of interest to the early childhood community to enable the early childhood community to better understand how ESSA can be a resource. (author abstract)