In order to be competitive in today's world, it is necessary for North Carolina to have a well-educated workforce. Quality schools, including effective leadership, excellent teachers, and improved academic standards and rigor, are a significant factor in these endeavors. However, good schooling starts well before a student ever steps foot into a classroom. The tools needed for academic success start developing in infancy, and once a child falls behind, it may be extremely difficult to catch up. This inaugural issue of "coNCepts" discusses integrated services for students in North Carolina and why they are key to the academic success of North Carolina's at-risk children. Topics discussed include: (1) Understanding the Challenge; (2) Status of Children in North Carolina; (3) Health Issues and School Performance for Low-Income Children; (4) The Effects of Starting Behind; (5) Current Efforts in North Carolina; and (6) Implications. In tight economic times, low-income families are often hit the hardest, and policymakers must be especially mindful of disadvantaged students as they will feel the impact more dramatically than the rest of the student population. Finding opportunities for cooperation and collaboration will allow states to focus money on children in the areas in which they need it most.