In the elementary years, social studies is an essential subject, critical to young learners' academic success and well-being. The success of our democracy depends on equitable access to this vital learning for all students. Social studies must be taught in every classroom starting in PreK so learners can develop into civically knowledgeable, engaged, and active adults. Powerful and purposeful teaching and learning in elementary social studies must be centered on best practices grounded in research-based social studies pedagogies. These pedagogies effectively build on the following pillars that support all students in the elementary social studies classroom: (1) Powerful social studies places learners at the center of the learning endeavor; (2) Powerful social studies is grounded in intellectual quality that allows learners to see the relevance and applicability of social studies topics in their daily lives; and (3) Powerful social studies fosters civic engagement necessary for a well-functioning democratic society and global community.