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 support families, professionals and policymakers who shape the lives of young children.

Impact Stories

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

When I looked at Cohen that night, all I could think was: Every baby deserves the chance to thrive. What if I can’t give him that?

Shania

See All Stories

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

Every child deserves a strong start in life. We work to foster healthy development from the very beginning.

Support for Parents and Caregivers

Understanding child development is crucial to help caregivers mold 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

We provide early childhood resources and training programs that support professionals across early learning, health care, mental health services, family support programs and more. Our conferences and trainings, free webinars, and resources deepen understanding of childhood development and strengthen effective practices to help professionals better serve young children and families.

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.

Open Letter

How the Attention Economy Impacts Young Children

Dr. Radesky explains how today's digital media is capturing and commercializing young children’s attention, underscoring the need for stronger parent, platform, and policy responses.

Details

Distillation

How Babies Learn From Watching and Doing

A new study reveals how infants use their own motor skills to make sense of what they see others do.

Details

Webinar

How Stress and Instability Affect Babies’ Brains — and What Protects Them

Learn why the earliest years matter so much for lifelong health and how supporting families helps protect babies’ development.

Details

Good Question

How can family child care support infant mental health in their mixed-age programs?

With thoughtful, intentional practice, mixed-age family child care settings can nurture infant mental health by supporting secure relationships, trust, and safe exploration.

Details

Good Question

Building an Early Childhood Environment with Mental Health at the Core

Details

Report

Beyond the Headlines: Expert Analysis on Early Childhood Research

Timely analysis, thoughtful commentary and expert perspectives on early childhood research and stories shaping the field today.

Details

Distillation

Understanding Perinatal Suicide Risk: What Everyone Should Know

Early detection, compassionate support, and systemic improvements are essential in addressing perinatal suicide risk.

Details

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.

Details

Open Letter

Crossing Oceans and Moving Mountains: Our Autism Journey and the Fight to Keep IDEA Strong

A mom shares her journey through delays, waitlists and hard-won progress after their son’s autism diagnosis, showing just how vital IDEA’s protections are for children with disabilities.

Details

Resource

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.

Details

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.

Details

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.

Details

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.

Details

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

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.

Details

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.

Details

Virtual

May 4, 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.

Details

Virtual

August 4, 2026

The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series

Details

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

Resource

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."

Details

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.

Details

Early Childhood Issue Areas

Details

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.

Donate