“I believe that children are our future.  Teach them well and let them lead the way.  Show them all the beauty they possess inside.  Give them a sense of pride to make it easier.  Let the children’s laughter remind us of how we used to be.”  These are the lyrics of the iconic songstress Whitney Houston’s famous song Greatest Love of All released in 1985.  More than 25 years have passed since the release of this track, and although I was just two years old when at the time of its release, I can recall melodies of this song still ringing through the radio airways when I was as old as age 10.  Indeed, it was one of the greatest and most popular songs of our time.  As I listen to the lyrics and melodies today, reflecting upon the faces, promises and future of my own three children, it brings tears of mixed emotions to my eyes.  The tears are reflections of rivers of joy flooding my soul.  As I examine myself and the quality of love, life, leadership, laughter, and loyalty that I have laid before my children, realizing that there is always a challenge to go higher, I have the assurance that thus far I have done the absolute best that I can as a parent and steward over their individual lives.  Then there are tears that express a deep sorrow for my children; children who have not been afforded even the minimal emotional, social, and economic leverage that my kids have received; and all children as a whole in this country.  For we live in a country that pushes education at the highest levels, yet lacks the essential and necessary focus and attention to the fundamental framework and quality of systems at beginning base of the structure as a whole:  Early Childhood Education (ECE).