The need for an adequate financial base for the future of quality early care and education (ECE) for young children is being increasingly recognized. This document compiles four papers commissioned to frame the discussion at a 1999 working meeting of individuals from diverse fields to identify and explore possible actions related to financing ECE for children birth through 5 years of age. The papers are: (1) "Toward Solutions: Through the Child Care Funding Maze" (Louise Stoney), describes how ECE is financed in the United States and offers examples and new and innovating ways that states and communities have generated funds for ECE services; (2) "Winning Early Care and Education Funding: Successful Strategies from Five States" (Nancy Sconyers), describes funding strategies in Florida, California, Oklahoma, New York, and Illinois; (3) "Funding Early Care and Education: An Assessment of Public Support" (Ethel Klein), examines public opinion regarding the benefits and drawbacks of early care and education for children and working parents and its role in connecting with the workforce; and (4) "Creating a Climate for Change" (Deborah Wadsworth), concerns Americans' attitudes toward children, child care, and parent responsibility. Each paper contains references. (KB)