The intention of this paper is to describe a vision for an effective OEL, regardless of the "governance" structure. We reviewed the literature on leadership and organizational effectiveness, interviewed early childhood state and national leaders, and drew on the more than 30 years of experience in the field of the authors. The paper is a first step toward a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a highly effective office of early learning in state government that improves outcomes for children. We do not address everything needed to improve outcomes but do offer this vision as an opportunity to engage and deepen the discussion. (author abstract)