To badly paraphrase Dickens, it is the best of times for early childhood - possibly - and it is the worst of times for early childhood - potentially.

The best of times because there's a rising tide of interest in/support for early childhood, much of it based on the solid research out there. Early childhood is increasingly being seen not just a fix for what ails society socially, but also economically - the idea being that smarter kids become smarter workers. 

The worst of times because fires need fuel, and likewise early childhood needs continued funding. It needs to be a priority, not an afterthought.

And so we come to a CNN report this week about the Obama administration's interest in increasing the rate of college education. One of the ways to do that, the administration clearly feels, is continued investment in early childhood. (Yay!)

The problem? According to a CNN report this week: "Despite the administration's plans, some states are slashing early childhood education programs to balance the budget. Duncan called such moves harmful, and noted that the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday will consider a spending package to save teachers' jobs, which he said could bring some relief to states."

Education Secretary Arne Duncan was interviewed on CNN this week as well about the topic. In a clip linked here, Duncan briefly alludes to early childhood.

It feels like we're coming to a tipping point in society on early childhood. Will we, as a state and nation, embrace it as foundational to all other learning, and thus life success, or will we continue paying lip service to its importance?

The answer, of course, will determine which sort of times these become for EC.   

Andrew Heller is Media Director for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.