Local, state and federal investments in quality early care and education provide the foundation necessary to cultivate a skilled workforce.  State funding for child care and preschool remains $1.1 billon below 2007-08 levels even with the recent increases.  UNITE-LA, partnering strategically with the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, supports investments that allow parents to go to work and prepare children for a successful academic career.  In order to improve school readiness and reading proficiency by third grade, California must improve integration between early care and education, health and K-12 systems.