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Policy Center

Babies need someone to give them a seat at the table.
That’s us.

ZERO TO THREE’s Policy Center is vocal on Capitol Hill and in states across the nation, providing policy and advocacy resources about the importance of the first three years of life. To ensure all babies have a strong start in life, we promote good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers, with special emphasis on those impacted by racism, economic inequality, and other forms of oppression.  

We interact with national, state, and local policymakers to demand the programs babies need, such as child care, paid family and medical leave and the expanded Child Tax Credit.  

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    ZERO TO THREE fights for policies that prioritize the needs of young children so they can thrive.

    Who We Are

    Our policymakers have a responsibility to prioritize babies.

    We are a non-partisan, research-based center working at all levels of government and across multiple issue areas that affect babies and their families. Our work includes:   

    [Strolling Thunder] made me realize just how important it was not to tune out, because decisions that impact our lives are being made every day, whether or not we choose to engage.

    Read more about the work we’re doing to advocate for babies

    What We Do

    Shaping systems to support babies

    ZERO TO THREE has decades of experience fighting for policy changes that improve the lives of babies and their families. No other organization has our track record of influencing decision makers to consider how their choices affect our babies.   

    • We build resources that illustrate how babies and their families are faring across the country.   
    • We recruit powerful parent advocates and work with state partners to ensure their voices are heard by policymakers at every level of government.   
    • We support policy and advocacy leaders in states building better systems and working toward policy wins for babies.   
    • We advocate and lobby for policies that affect millions of families with young children.  
    See our stories of impact
    Learn more about how you can get involved

    Related Resources

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    Resource

    What’s in the Budget for Babies?

    Every year, the President and Congress develop budget proposals to fund the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year. ZERO TO THREE’s budget analysis examines current and proposed funding levels across agencies for the programs and services that most impact infants and toddlers and their families.
    Details
    Resource

    EdSurge Article Highlights the Importance of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

    The last few years have been a strain on nearly everyone, with routines disrupted, social interactions curtailed, and stress and anxiety running high.
    Details
    Resource

    Getting Policymakers’ Attention! Key Findings from New IECMH Message Testing

    Details

    Be a Big Voice for Little Kids

    Bring attention to what babies and their families need to thrive.

    Take Action