Empowering Early Childhood Development

Building a world where all babies can thrive.

Empowering Early Childhood Development

Building a world where all babies can thrive.

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

We use early childhood development research to create meaningful resources for families, professionals, and policymakers who shape the lives of young children.

Impact Stories

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

I believe in Early Head Start's mission so much, I got involved myself.

Ana C.

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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.

Support for Parents and Caregivers

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.

Resources for Professionals

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.

Policy and Advocacy

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 and state legislators 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.

Mental and Emotional Health

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.

Community Support

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.

"This is just what I needed to reestablish my motivation in moving forward with this work."

The Latest News and Featured Resources

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

Parenting Through Crisis: Supporting Children Two to Five Through Racism, Violence and Family Separation

Read more about the guidelines for talking about racism and equality with children aged two to five in age-appropriate ways.

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Celebrating Black History Month

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Early Childhood Poverty: A Lasting Impact on Babies’ Health and Development

Early Head Start is the only federal program dedicated to the comprehensive development of pregnant women, infants and toddlers in families with low incomes.

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Buzzwords Explained: Breaking Down Common Terms in the Early Childhood Field

In this series, ZERO TO THREE's subject matter experts tackle common terms and topics in the early childhood field.

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Distillation

Child Vaccines: Families Have Questions. We Have Answers.

Find common questions and answers about child vaccines to help families and early childhood professionals share clear, supportive information.

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Press Release

Early Childhood Leaders Condemn Child Care, Social Services Funding Freeze

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Article

Top 10 Wins for Babies in 2025

In 2025, babies won at both the federal and state levels thanks to the power of supporters raising their voices and families sharing their personal and powerful stories.

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Webinar

Sustainable Change Starts Here: Process Mapping to Strengthen Early Childhood Systems

Join Safe Babies, a program of ZERO TO THREE, to learn how process maps can help teams make meaningful, lasting improvements for babies, toddlers, and their families.

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Good Question

How does parenting across two homes affect babies?

Babies can thrive in two-home arrangements when parents work together to keep caregiving consistent, transitions gentle and relationships strong.

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Distillation

The Child Care Paradox: Families Pay More, Educators Earn Less

America’s child care system is collapsing . Families are paying more than they can afford, while the very educators who make care possible remain some of the lowest-paid workers in the country. The result? Families are squeezed, programs are closing, and children are caught in the middle.

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Problem Solvers: A Free Preschool 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.

Upcoming Events:

Check out our upcoming in-person and virtual events.

Virtual

February 24, 2026

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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Virtual

February 25, 2026

Holding Space with Heart: Trauma and Young Children

This virtual event offers a chance for peers and leaders to connect, reflect, and support one another on the impact of ongoing trauma and changing during challenging times.

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Virtual

March 3, 2026

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.

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Virtual

March 18, 2026

What Is Moving the Needle on ECE Compensation

Focused on moving from awareness to action, this conversation spotlights the measurable progress in early childhood educator compensation and empowers professionals to shape sustainable change in their states and communities.

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Virtual

April 8, 2026

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

April 21, 2026

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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Virtual

May 4, 2026

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

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Virtual

August 4, 2026

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

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Let's make babies and families a national priority.

Your gift to ZERO TO THREE will help give children the best possible start in life.

Supporting a child in their first 1,000 days is a gift that can last a lifetime!

A Closer Look

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What’s at Stake: Latest Updates on the Baby Agenda

Get an inside look at the latest updates from Capitol Hill as we work to protect and advance the "Baby Agenda."

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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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Early Childhood Issue Areas

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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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