This report summarizes a comprehensive research program undertaken by the Trust for Learning to provide insight into how and why parents make choices about their children's early childhood development from birth through age five. The Trust commissioned this research for two reasons: 1. To help providers and advocates of highly developmental early childhood education better understand the needs and motivations of parents across the socioeconomic spectrum; and, 2. To ensure that parents' voices are at the forefront of conversations about early childhood programs and policy. It is our belief that educators, policymakers and the broader public can be more effective in serving families and children when the motivations of parents are better understood and respected. This work was completed in three phases: literature review and summary; qualitative research in the form of 12 focus groups with parents and voters; and, quantitative research through a nationwide survey of 1,449 parents. A summary of key findings, methodology and detailed findings are below. (author abstract)