ZERO TO THREE’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Financing Policy Project is excited to welcome its fifth cohort of states. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming will join a nationwide learning community, bringing the total to 44 states and Washington, DC, working to strengthen financing and policy to better meet the mental and relational health of young children and their caregivers.
“Supporting infant and early childhood mental health is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our collective future,” said Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE. “With the addition of this fifth cohort, we’re not only welcoming new state leaders, but we’re also strengthening a nationwide movement. Together, these states represent a growing, committed network advancing smarter policies and sustainable financing so that every baby and toddler has the strong start they deserve.”
This project provides support, expertise, and community to state leaders working to develop sustainable policies and financing strategies that will allow infants, young children and caregivers to benefit from a robust array of mental health supports and services.
“Each new cohort brings fresh perspective and momentum, while building on the progress and innovation of the states that came before them,” said Lindsay Usry, Senior Director of IECMH Policy at ZERO TO THREE. “It’s inspiring to see this network grow into a powerful force for change—one that is helping transform how systems support the mental health of infants, young children, and their caregivers.”
Learn more about the impactful work of states from the previous four cohorts, comprising 36 states, and how they build systems that meet the unique needs of infants, young children, families and the workforce that supports them.
