Empowering Early Childhood Development

why 0-3

The first three years of life are the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being.

We're leveraging early childhood development research to provide powerful resources to families, professionals and policymakers who can make a difference in a child's life.

Introducing ZERO TO THREE​

ZERO TO THREE specializes in early childhood development, specifically focusing on the ages 0 to 3. We translate the science of this critical stage in childhood development into resources, training programs and solutions that make a real impact.

As a research-based organization, we know that the first three years of life are essential for shaping a solid foundation for long-lasting health and happiness. It is the most critical window of time in a person’s development. Our aim is to give babies and toddlers a strong start and a chance to reach their full potential by equipping families, communities and policymakers with the knowledge and skills they need.

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the premier hub for early childhood professionals

Impact Stories

Discover real-world stories and learn about people who make a real impact. 

Jess and her husband
A lot of people think stay-at-home-moms are rich white women but that’s not always the case. For some people it’s more affordable to stay at home than send your kids to daycare.
Jessica
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Our Focus

At ZERO TO THREE, we offer early childhood trainings and resources to address the most critical issues impacting babies and toddlers. Explore our fields of focus.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Trauma
Early Learning
Early Development
Physical Health & Nutrition
Child Care
Child Welfare
Economic Security

Making an Impact Together

Our belief that every child deserves a strong start in life fuels a collective mission to foster healthy development from the very beginning.

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Understanding child development and your role as a parent or caregiver is crucial for molding babies and toddlers into the best versions of themselves. We support parents and caregivers through our projects and programs and early childhood development resources, including research-based tips and tools for effective parenting.
Advance your knowledge and skills with our comprehensive early childhood education training programs for professionals. Our resources, from conferences to free webinars, provide guidance for educators, health care workers and other early childhood professionals. They are designed to enhance your understanding of childhood development and inform effective teaching strategies.
ZERO TO THREE advocates for policies that promote the well-being and development of babies and toddlers as well as their families. We engage in research and collaborate with policymakers to influence legislation related to early childhood education, child welfare and child care solutions. We dedicate our efforts to ensure the needs of infants and toddlers are prioritized in public policy decisions.
We emphasize the importance of mental and emotional health in infancy and early childhood development. We provide resources and training for parents, caregivers and professionals on how to nurture emotional well-being in babies and toddlers. Through our programs and campaigns, we promote awareness of the critical impact of early experiences on mental health. We also develop guidelines and tools that you can use to support the mental and emotional needs of babies and toddlers.
Our programs, early childhood development resources and training programs empower communities. In addition to offering local resources, we facilitate training sessions for community organizations and professionals to enhance their capacity to support children and families effectively. By fostering community engagement and collaboration, we help create environments that nurture healthy childhood development.
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The Latest News and Featured Resources

Explore the latest news and updates in the field of early childhood development.

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The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood: Transforming the Field for Professionals and Children

Artificial intelligence in the early childhood field not only helps professionals by improving efficiency but also opens doors to more personalized learning experiences.
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Native American Baby

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

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Distillation

Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Brain Development: A Proven Link

Various factors can contribute to poor maternal mental health and research shows that impacts babies even before they are born.
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Resource

Surgeon General Advisory on Parental Stress: How Early Childhood Policy Change Can Make a Difference

In a new advisory from the Surgeon General, the significant pressures faced by parents today are highlighted as a major concern impacting both adult and child well-being.
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Resource

Problem Solvers: A Free Early STEM Curriculum

Children can learn about math, science and engineering through everyday play. Download our complete preschool and early STEM curriculum, activity guide and songs.
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From birth to 3, a child’s brain produces more than 1 million neural connections each second.
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Upcoming Events:

Check out our upcoming in-person and virtual events.

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Virtual
January 15, 2025

The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers

Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
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Virtual
November 13, 2024

Spark STEM Discovery with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Research shows that even toddlers can benefit significantly from early exposure to math and science concepts and language.
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Virtual
November 19, 2024

DC:0—5™: Clinical Training

Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
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dad holding baby
Virtual
December 10, 2024

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
Details
Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
January 21, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
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Virtual
February 18, 2025

DC:0—5™: Clinical Training

Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
Details
dad holding baby
Virtual
March 5, 2025

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
Details
Virtual
April 22, 2025

DC:0—5™: Clinical Training

Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
Details
Virtual
June 17, 2025

DC:0—5™: Clinical Training

Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
Details
Virtual
November 21, 2024

Trauma-Responsiveness in Early Childhood: A Foundational Practice, No Longer Just a Consideration

Join Safe Babies, a program of ZERO TO THREE™, for a webinar led by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges on understanding trauma language to enhance practices in Safe Babies courts.
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Virtual
May 7, 2025

The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers

Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
Details
Virtual
December 11, 2024

Building Strong Kids by Strengthening Fathers and Families

Join us as we discuss the critical role fathers play in early childhood development and how they can enrich your program to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
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Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
March 18, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
Virtual
September 10, 2025

The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers

Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
Details
Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
July 15, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
September 16, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
dad holding baby
Virtual
August 5, 2025

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
Details
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Babies are born with unlimited potential, but it's up to each state to help give them a strong start.
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Your Gift Can Chart a New Path for a Child

Your donation to ZERO TO THREE helps train thousands of early childhood providers, empower millions of families worldwide and advocate for responsive policies affecting babies and their families. 

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A Closer Look

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A child care educator teaches young children. She has reads ZERO TO THREE's bestsellers and new releases.

New Early Childhood Books and Best Sellers | ZERO TO THREE

Explore our vast range of evidence-based resources and educational books designed to strengthen your practice.
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Calling All Baby Champions

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, community leader or policymaker, you can support our efforts and do your part in giving infants and toddlers a strong start in life.

Sign up for our newsletter to access the latest resources, learn about upcoming events and more. Help advance our initiative by making a donation or becoming a member.

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