See how professionals across the early childhood field come together to support babies and families.
It Takes a Village: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Babies and Families
Key Takeaways
- Supporting the development of young children and their families requires a broad and interconnected approach.
- Relationships are the foundation for social-emotional learning and mental health.
- By understanding and addressing challenges at every level — from the individual child to national policies — we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The social-ecological perspective helps us understand that a child’s development doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it’s shaped by many layers of influence, from their close relationships to the communities and society around them. By looking at all these interconnected levels, we can better support young children and their families in every part of their lives.
Authors
Sarah LeMoine
Senior Director, Professional Innovations, ZERO TO THREE
Noelle Hause
Senior PD Manager, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Professional Innovations
Understanding the Social-Ecological Perspective in Supporting Young Children and Their Families
Supporting the development of young children and their families requires a broad and interconnected approach.
The social-ecological perspective recognizes that child development is influenced by multiple levels of relationships and environments, from the individual child to society as a whole. This perspective is based on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bio-socio-ecological framework and is central to the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Guiding Principles.
Let’s break down the six key categories of this approach and explore why each layer matters.
Individual: The Baby or Young Child
At the heart of the social-ecological framework is the child.
Babies and young children are entirely dependent on their caregivers for nurturing, protection, and meeting basic needs. Their early experiences shape their cognitive, social and emotional development. When young children feel safe and supported, they are more likely to build strong social-emotional skills, develop healthy relationships, and thrive.
Challenges at the Individual Level:
- Exposure to stressors such as neglect, trauma or food insecurity can impact brain development.
- COVID-19 disrupted early childhood experiences, delaying social interactions and developmental milestones.
Protective Factors:
- Stable, loving relationships with caregivers.
- Access to quality healthcare and early learning experiences.
- Early screening and interventions for developmental concerns.
Relationships: Family and Other Caregivers
Relationships are the foundation for social-emotional learning and mental health.
Caregivers, whether parents, extended family, or early childhood professionals, play a vital role in shaping a child’s development.
Challenges at the Relationship Level:
- Caregiver stress, including financial insecurity, mental health struggles and lack of social support, can affect the quality of interactions with children.
- High turnover rates in early childhood education settings can disrupt stability and continuity of care for children.
Protective Factors:
- Family support networks and parental resilience.
- Accessible mental health support for parents, caregivers, and early educators.
- Strengths-based approaches that recognize and build on families’ inherent capacities.
Community: Early Childhood Programs, Schools, and Workplaces
The community setting such as early education programs, workplaces, and local organizations, affects how well families can support their children.
Challenges at the Community Level:
- Limited access to high-quality, affordable child care leaves many parents struggling to balance work and parenting.
- Military families face unique disruptions due to frequent relocations and deployments, affecting children’s sense of stability.
Protective Factors:
- Community programs like HealthySteps, which embed child development specialists in pediatric settings.
- Early childhood mental health services that support social-emotional development.
- Policies that promote family-friendly workplaces and paid family leave.
Environmental: Neighborhoods and Larger Community Systems
A child’s physical and social environment influences their development.
Safe and stable housing, green spaces, and strong social connections contribute to well-being.
Challenges at the Environmental Level:
- Communities with limited resources often have less access to healthcare and higher exposure to crime.
- Families facing housing instability or food insecurity experience added stress that affects parenting.
Protective Factors:
- Safe, stable, and nurturing community environments.
- Access to quality early learning programs that serve diverse communities.
- Community engagement initiatives that strengthen social networks.
Society: Social, Economic, Cultural, and Political Influences
Broader societal factors shape the experiences of families and children.
Policies related to childcare, healthcare and economic security significantly impact child well-being.
Challenges at the Societal Level:
- Limited funding and infrastructure in some areas make it harder for families to access basic services.
- Inadequate parental leave policies and lack of quality, affordable child care make it harder for families to thrive.
Protective Factors:
- Federal programs that support families, such as the Child Tax Credit and paid family leave.
- Advocacy efforts by organizations like ZERO TO THREE, which push for policies that prioritize young children.
- Public investments in early childhood mental health and intervention programs.
Changes Over Time: Attitudes and Ideologies
Societal attitudes about parenting, child care, and equity shift over time.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, changed work environments, family dynamics, and access to healthcare.
Examples of Changes Over Time:
- Pre-pandemic vs. Post-pandemic: The shift to remote work changed how parents balance caregiving and employment.
- Shifting Attitudes on Mental Health: Growing awareness of infant and early childhood mental health has led to greater investment in resources.
- Policy Evolution: Policy changes reflect a broader push to strengthen early childhood services for all families.
Why This Matters:
- Cultural shifts influence how we define “good parenting” and what types of family support are considered essential.
- Policy decisions made today will impact future generations.
- The more we prioritize early childhood mental health, family-friendly workplace policies and community resources, the stronger our children’s future will be.
There is no such thing as a baby. There is a baby and someone.
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Financing Policy Project (FPP) has become a powerful mechanism for advancing IECMH systems and policy across the country.
The Power of a Holistic Approach
Young children don’t develop in isolation.
Babies and children are part of a complex system of relationships, environments, and societal influences. By understanding and addressing challenges at every level — from the individual child to national policies — we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
As we continue our advocacy, professional development and policy work, the focus remains on ensuring that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.
What you can do:
- Advocate for early childhood policies that support all families at the local, state and national levels.
- Support community-based programs that provide families with access to essential resources.
- Recognize the importance of strong connections with caregivers, educators and communities that set children up for success.
By working together across all levels of society, we can create healthier, more supportive environments for our youngest learners and their families, laying the foundation for a brighter and stronger future for us all.
Join us in telling Congress to make babies and families a national priority.
