In the world of finance, professionals strive to yield the highest rate of return on their investment, while at the same time minimizing their financial risk. When you think about it, investing in our children's first years fits this key investment principle quite well. Both scientists and economists now agree that investing in early childhood is a critical and proven strategy to ensuring our nation's future economic success. Business leaders can invest in early childhood opportunities for young children to create a stable, educated workforce fueled by people who prioritize good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences.

This article shines a light on the economic benefits of investing in the earliest years and provides a state example which demonstrates it in action. It concludes with tips and strategies for how your state and/or community can work with business leaders and economists to establish similar investments for infants, toddlers, and their families. Click here to read the article now!

The ZERO TO THREE Policy Network on Facebook Moves to a New Home

The ZERO TO THREE Policy Network on Facebook is going through some changes! While many Policy Network members have participated in our active group on Facebook since last year, we are transitioning to a new "Fan" page starting today. The new page on Facebook will allow us to share content with you more easily, and increase opportunities for you to contribute to discussions, post your own materials, and comment on content. Switching to the new page is easy and only takes a minute. Click here to become a fan!

The goal of the ZERO TO THREE Policy Network on Facebook remains the same - to provide a space where you can connect with and support one another in infant-toddler advocacy activities. You can find other professionals in your state, share new information and strategies, and get input on your challenges and questions from ZERO TO THREE Policy Network staff and other advocates. Be sure to let us know what you think of the new page by writing on our Wall or commenting on the posted items!

We will update content on both pages through the month of September and will discontinue use of the old Facebook group as of October 1st. If you have questions about how to switch to the new page or about joining us on Facebook, click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at policycenter@zerotothree.org.

Federal Policy Update

Upon return from August recess on September 8th, members of the House and Senate will resume work on the annual appropriations process. Prior to adjourning for the August recess, the House completed all 12 of the Appropriations bills for FY2010 and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved 4 of the 12 bills for full Senate consideration. The Senate is expected to vote the remaining bills out of committee and hold full Senate votes on all of the FY2010 Appropriations bills by the end of the month. All of the bills must be passed and a conference must negotiate any differences between the House and Senate funding levels before the start of the fiscal year (October 1, 2009). In the event that work is not completed on time, a short-term continuing resolution will be required to keep programs running at current funding levels until final funding decisions are made.

Along with appropriations, Congress will also continue discussions on health care reform, with President Obama scheduled to address the issue before a joint session of Congress on September 9.

Finally, the Senate HELP Committee is expected to consider its version of the Early Learning Challenge Fund (ELCF) in the coming weeks. For more information on what is included in the House version of the ELCF, click here.

Reminder: Download September's Advocacy Developmental Milestone Calendar

Congress is back in session in September and ready to take on health care reform. As your members of Congress return to Washington this month, they will be working to move health care bills forward in both the House and the Senate. We challenge you to take action and urge them to make the health needs of parents and very young children a priority. As professionals working with young children, we must ensure that our members of Congress understand the impact that access to affordable health care for ALL family members has on our nation's youngest children! Download September's Advocacy Developmental Milestone Calendar and take action this month!

Publications & Resources

Register is Open for ZERO TO THREE's National Training Institute (NTI)
Every year, ZERO TO THREE provides an opportunity for professionals to enhance their knowledge about early childhood development through our National Training Institute (NTI). The NTI is the most comprehensive multidisciplinary conference in the infant-family field. Join us December 4-6 (Pre-Institute December 3) in Dallas, Texas, and gain more information about early childhood policy, brain development, challenging behaviors, and much more. Registration is now open. Click here to learn more.

Creating Systems Change on Behalf of Very Young Children
The July issue of the Zero To Three Journal focuses on the power of relationships, including an article dedicated to how they are critical to advocating for change. Helping Policymakers See through the Eyes of the Infant relays practical lessons about creating system change by focusing on collaboration and relationship building, keeping the community interested in the story, cultivating change in multiple areas, and maintaining change over time. To learn about how to subscribe to the Zero To Three Journal or to purchase a single copy, click here.

What Policymakers Should Know about Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood
A new brief from the National Center for Children in Poverty, Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood: What Every Policymaker Should Know, reviews helpful statistics on major risk factors and service barriers associated with social-emotional problems among young children. It also offers policy recommendations to advance the social-emotional development of young children and their families.

National Infant Mortality Awareness Month Toolkit
The National Healthy Start Association recently produced a new toolkit to recognize September as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. The toolkit provides facts and statistics about infant mortality, as well as ideas and strategies for fundraising activities, advocacy and working with the media. The goal is to empower individuals and communities to advance the health of infants, mothers and families.