These publications helped to inform and shape the work of MELF:

Minnesota School Readiness Study: Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance Fall 2007 by Minnesota Department of Education

A Proposal for Achieving High Returns on Early Childhood Development by Rob Grunewald and Arthur Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, March 2006

The Economics of Early Childhood Care and Education in Minnesota – Report of the Itasca Project Task Force on Early Childhood Development by McKinsey and Company, 2005

Ready for School (otherwise known as the "Pumpkin Report" due to its memorable title page) by the Minnesota School Readiness Business Advisory Council, October 2004

Early Childhood Education Programs by the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor, January 2001