Many of us are getting back to the daily grind and setting goals for the new year. Congress is getting back to work, too, and since the First Five Years Fund is in a resolution-making frame of mind, we’ve got a few suggestions.

As Congress runs precariously close to the edge of the "fiscal cliff," we have a critical opportunity to educate decision-makers about the very real human cliff faced by millions of disadvantaged children who experience a drop off in achievement caused by gaps in early childhood education. These fiscal and human realities are intricately linked. Deficits in foundational skills and capabilities resulting from lack of quality early childhood education programs hamper children's ability to be successful in school and make later contributions to our economy and society.

In the rollercoaster ride that is early learning advocacy, we’ve endured many a loop-de-loop and our fair share of hairpin turns. Now, with the election behind us, you might be feeling the labored chugging and nervous anticipation that comes with a steep climb. Hold on, everybody: we’re approaching the fiscal cliff.

Hot off the press: Congressman Rehberg, the chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee that funds early learning programs, released his FY13 bill on Tuesday, July 17, in advance of the subcommittee meeting Wednesday morning.