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May 7, 2025

Early DevelopmentEarly LearningState and Local Policy

Early Head Start Helps Families Thrive — Let's Keep It That Way

Every child deserves a strong start, but not every family has equal access to the tools that make it possible. That’s where Early Head Start (EHS) steps in.

For over 25 years, Early Head Start has provided comprehensive services to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers in families to set babies up for lifelong success. It’s been proven to work, especially for the families who need it most.

From health and nutrition to early learning and parent support, EHS gives families the stability and structure they need during the most critical time in a child’s life — the first three years, when the brain is making over a million new connections every second.

But despite its power, this program is underfunded. Only 10% of eligible children and families are served by Early Head Start. That means countless babies are left waiting for the support they need to thrive. We must advocate to continue and even expand access to Early Head Start.

This isn’t just about policy. It’s about real babies, real families, and the future we’re all building together.

Latest news and updates

Current events and policy changes can have profound effects on families.

Our federal policy team is deeply involved in shaping decisions that impact the well-being of babies and their families. Stay up-to-date on our latest issues.

By the Numbers

10%

Only 10% of eligible infants and toddlers are served by Early Head Start, leaving the vast majority without access to this proven, comprehensive support.

250k

Nearly 1 in 5 babies in the United States lives in poverty, but Early Head Start is funded to only serve approximately 250,000 children and pregnant women.

Early Head Start was created more than 25 years ago and has consistently shown positive outcomes across child development, school readiness and family self-sufficiency.

If you’re gutting the staff that is overseeing and distributing the funding for a program, you’re going to end up restricting access to the end product, and in this case, that’s high-quality early learning for children. It’s going to be especially acute in rural areas and for children with disabilities.

Melissa boteach, Chief Policy Officer

Early Head Start provides:

Early Head Start combines high-quality child care, home visiting and family support services under one umbrella. This integrated model meets families where they are and adapts to their needs across different settings.

For children

High-quality care and early learning opportunities individualized to child and family needs, in partnership with families, in the setting that families choose
Comprehensive screening, health and mental health care, dental care, nutrition support, and immunizations

For pregnant women

Referrals to prenatal and pediatric care; prenatal and postpartum education; home visits to support newborn transition

For families

Whole-family supports including education on promoting children’s healthy development and provision of or referral to education, employment, health and mental health screenings and services, substance use prevention and treatment, housing assistance, legal services

I love Early Head Start because children get the services they need earlier in life to better prepare them for success.

early head start educator

Resources for parents and professionals

Early Head Start supports healthy development through a two-generation and whole-family approach that includes health care, early learning and parenting support.

Early Head Start Works

EHS programs have significant favorable impacts on a range of parenting outcomes. Explore findings from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project.

Early Head Start: An Essential Support for Pregnant Women, Infants, and Toddlers

This brief outlines the history of the program, the research demonstrating how Early Head Start improves outcomes for children and families, and policy recommendations.

Early Head Start Advocacy Toolkit

Urge your policymakers to Think Babies™ by supporting Early Head Start with this this advocacy toolkit.

How You Can Stand Up for Early Head Start

Everyone has a role in protecting programs that give babies a strong start. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, pediatrician, advocate, or community leader, you can take action.

Tell your story

Personal stories move people. Whether you’ve benefited from Early Head Start or work with families who have, share what it’s meant for a child’s development, a parent’s stability, or a community’s health. Record a video we can amplify in our advocacy efforts.

Reach out to elected officials

Make it clear: cutting Early Head Start is cutting off opportunity for our youngest learners. Contact your members of Congress and local representatives. You don’t need fancy language, just honesty about why this program matters.

Amplify the message

Share resources and facts about Early Head Start with your network—friends, family, coworkers, clients. Help others understand why EHS is essential. Use social media, conversations, or community events to spread the word.

Support families directly

If you’re a professional, help families access Early Head Start and related services. If you’re a parent or caregiver, support other families by sharing what you’ve learned. Advocacy happens not just on Capitol Hill — but at pickup lines, doctor visits, and kitchen tables.

Support our work to give every baby a strong start by donating today. — Advertisement

Take action and get updates

Tell Congress to make babies and families a national priority.

Use our tool to contact your representatives and sign up for the latest information and action alerts about policies and events that matter to you!

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Details

Portland, OR

August 5, 2025

Cross Sites 2025

Safe Babies, A Program of ZERO TO THREE™, hosts the 19th annual Cross Sites Meeting, August 5-7, 2025. 

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.

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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.

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Baltimore, Maryland

October 8, 2025

LEARN Conference 2025

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ResourceAdvocatesParentsProfessionalsPolicy Center24-36 Months

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Early Head Start Helps Families Thrive — Let's Keep It That Way

Every child deserves a strong start, but not every family has equal access to the tools that make it possible. That’s where Early Head Start (EHS) steps in.

Latest news and updates

Current events and policy changes can have profound effects on families.

By the Numbers

Early Head Start provides:

Early Head Start combines high-quality child care, home visiting and family support services under one umbrella. This integrated model meets families where they are and adapts to their needs across different settings.

Resources for parents and professionals

Early Head Start supports healthy development through a two-generation and whole-family approach that includes health care, early learning and parenting support.

Early Head Start Works

Early Head Start: An Essential Support for Pregnant Women, Infants, and Toddlers

Early Head Start Advocacy Toolkit

How You Can Stand Up for Early Head Start

Everyone has a role in protecting programs that give babies a strong start. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, pediatrician, advocate, or community leader, you can take action.

Take action and get updates

Tell Congress to make babies and families a national priority.

Use our tool to contact your representatives and sign up for the latest information and action alerts about policies and events that matter to you!

Upcoming Events and Trainings

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CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”: Developmental Milestone Resources to Improve Early Identification of Children With Developmental Delays, Disorders, and Disabilities

Revised Developmental Milestones for Babies and Toddlers: Your Questions Answered