The Early Experiences Matter Policy Guide includes an issue brief on Early Head Start. To access the complete toolkit, click here.

Baby Matters: A Gateway to State Policies and Initiatives is a searchable database that contains information on state policies and initiatives that impact infants, toddlers and their families. To search Baby Matters for information on Early Head Start, click here.

Including and Expanding Early Head Start in State Early Childhood Systems
The ZERO TO THREE Policy Center hosted two meetings with state teams in May 2010 and April 2011 to discuss ways that Early Head Start could be included and expanded in state early childhood systems. This webpage provides information about the two meetings, with notes from each session and links to presentations and other resources shared with participants. 

Building on the Promise: State Initiatives to Expand Access to Early Head Start for Young Children and their Families
This joint report by ZERO TO THREE and the Center for Law and Social Policy draws on newly conducted research on state efforts to expand or enhance access to Early Head Start services for infants, toddlers and their families.  The federal Early Head Start program was created to help minimize the disparities caused by poverty by supporting the healthy development of expectant mothers and low-income infants and toddlers in the context of their families and communities.  However, less than 3 percent of babies and toddlers who are eligible for Early Head Start are currently being reached.  This report is an in-depth study of current state initiatives to build upon Early Head Start, and includes an analysis of the lesson learned from state experiences, as well as recommendations to help other states expand the reach of Early Head Start.

Download the full report or executive summary.

Download profiles of state initiatives to build upon Early Head Start:

Hearing on Investing in Early Education: Paths to Improving Children's Success
Statement of Matthew Melmed, Executive Director, ZERO TO THREE
Submitted to the Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives
January 23, 2008

Highlights for Babies in the Head Start for School Readiness Act
Summarizes the key highlights for babies and toddlers in the Head Start for School Readiness Act, the final legislation reauthorizing Head Start and Early Head Start.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the Early Head Start Language in the Head Start for School Readiness Act
Provides a detailed comparison of the House, Senate, and final Conference Report language on key Early Head Start issues in the Head Start reauthorization

Early Head Start: Celebrating Success and Ensuring Its Future
Early Head Start  is a federally-funded, community-based program that provides early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income pregnant women and families with children under age three. Early Head Start represents the best of what scientific research recommends for ensuring good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences for infants and toddlers.

Hearing on Improving Head Start for America's Children
Statement of Dr. Ross Thompson, Board Member, ZERO TO THREE
Submitted to the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
U.S. House of Representatives
February 28, 2007

Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project: Early Head Start Works
Summarizes research findings on the effectiveness of Early Head Start.