This panel of presentations took place at the Implementing Early Learning in Ontario Conference at the School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto on September 18, 2009. The one-day conference set out to discuss the Ontario Early Learning Advisor Charles Pascal's report, With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early Learning in Ontario. This first panel on economics featured the following presentations:

- What the ELA report says about funding
Kerry McCuaig, Researcher/Consultant, Better Child Care Education

- Socioeconomic effects of early learning and care
Robert Fairholm, Director of Canadian Economic Forecasting Services, Centre for Spatial Economics

The economic returns from early childhood programs
- Lynn Karoly, Senior Economist, Washington Office, RAND Corporation