The General Assembly finds, upon consultation with the Governor, that every child can benefit from, and should have access to, high-quality early childhood education and development services. The economic future and well-being of the State depend upon it. To ensure that all children have access to high-quality early childhood education and development services, the General Assembly further finds that:

(1)        Parents have the primary duty to raise, educate, and transmit values to young preschool children;

(2)        The State can assist parents in their role as the primary caregivers and educators of young preschool children; and

(3)        There is a need to explore innovative approaches and strategies for aiding parents and families in the education and development of young preschool children. (1993, c. 321, s. 254(a); 1998-212, s. 12.37B(a).)