Educares are instrumental in serving as authentic experiences of excellence for state policy advocates and key stakeholders to leverage policy and systems changes that benefit all early childhood service providers. More than one public sector leader or legislator has had an "ah ha" moment during a tour of an Educare school and returned to the Statehouse with a clearer understanding about the imperative to invest in early education. The ELN assists Network leaders in capitalizing on opportunities to serve as a platform for broader program and policy change through a collaboration with our sister initiatives - the Birth to Five Policy Alliance and the First Five Years Fund.