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​

We specialize 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. 

I hope that people out there know that they can advocate firmly for their children.
Lorna Harris-Fisher
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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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"This is just what I needed to reestablish my motivation in moving forward with this work."
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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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Power List

Meet the 2025 Winners of Our IECMH Emerging Leadership Awards

The Emerging Leadership Award recognizes and celebrates a diversity of early- and mid-career leaders engaged in cutting-edge, transformative work to advance IECMH Practice, Policy, and Research.
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Resource

Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: Tips for Early Childhood Professionals

As wildfires destroy communities, many parents with babies and young children will be affected.
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Intentional Leadership and Workforce Wellness at Malaika Early Learning Center

At a time when many child care centers struggle to retain qualified, engaged educators, Malaika Early Learning Center is growing and even opening a second site. We talked to the center's Executive Director to learn more about her approach.
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Good Question

What is quality child care?

Explore these expert perspectives that address what it takes to build a system where quality child care is a guarantee. 
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Power List

2024 Child Welfare Reform Legislative Highlights: How Key States Are Shaping the Future

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Mother talking to her infant during tummy time
Good Question

How do infants translate sounds to language?

The journey from sounds to language is an intricate process that begins in infancy. Learn about the ways infants begin to translate sounds to language.
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Resource

How can mindfulness support early childhood educators?

Studies show that practicing mindfulness in early childhood settings has an impact on teachers and on the children in their care.
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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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Resource

Coping After a Natural Disaster

Babies and toddlers are affected by natural disasters, even though they may not understand what they see or hear. Learn how you can support young children in coping with uncertainty.
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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
January 16, 2025

Collaborative Action: Redefining Child Welfare Through Connection

Join Safe Babies, a program of ZERO TO THREE™, for a webinar promoting holistic connection in child welfare.
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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 5, 2025

Stay Safe Drills with Young Children

Participate in this essential training to create emergency drills tailored to young children’s developmental needs, promoting safety, emotional security, and readiness in early childhood settings.
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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.
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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
Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
March 18, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: What You Need to Know

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
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
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
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
Man with tattoos holding his toddler
Virtual
July 15, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: What You Need to Know

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
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
September 16, 2025

Infant Mental Health Training: What You Need to Know

The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
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A young child holding an infant in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Babies and their families are coming to Capitol Hill to advocate for the policies they need to thrive.
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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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Join the Think Babies™ Campaign!

Learn about how you can get involved in the Think Babies™ campaign to promote enriching early experiences and a strong foundation from the start. It's time for policymakers to think babies.
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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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