ZERO TO THREE Growth Chart: Fall 2025

Your support makes our work possible.
Thank you!

Dear Friend,

This year has been dominated by historic shifts in programs that millions of babies and families rely upon for care and basic needs. Cuts have been unprecedented, but so has the response. Our community has galvanized with a powerful new sense of purpose and energy. In the news and beyond, our country is talking – now more than ever – about what families need. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, what I hope you see in this Growth Chart is the volume of highly impactful work happening all around, from state capitol buildings to pediatricians’ offices.

ZERO TO THREE is driving change in big and small ways, making a huge difference in the lives of babies and their families across the country. From practitioners to parents to policymakers, see how ZERO TO THREE is tackling unprecedented problems and achieving dramatic results. We are deeply grateful for your support! It fuels every aspect of our work. I hope seeing how your support translates into impact inspires you. We deeply appreciate your ongoing dedication and commitment.

With gratitude,

Matthew Melmed

ZERO TO THREE
Executive Director

Jump To:

Milestone

HealthySteps crossed a major milestone earlier this year.

The program currently reaches over 500,000 children and families – and growing! It’s more than doubled in just five years, setting a new benchmark for early childhood care.

Melissa Boteach,
Chief Policy Officer

What is ZERO TO THREE’s priority moving forward?

It’s been a year of uncertainty and instability – both for families and for our laws and institutions. We’re working with policymakers to inform them about solutions that make sense and put babies first. We’re connecting advocates to the best resources for taking action, and we’re helping families amplify their voices to be powerful changemakers on behalf of our nation’s babies. Together with over 70,000 Baby Champions across the country, we are advocating for action from elected officials and policymakers at the federal and state levels.

How is ZERO TO THREE helping babies and families in crisis?

From the wildfires last year in California to hurricanes that hit the East Coast and throughout the political turmoil, families and babies are facing challenges. At ZERO TO THREE, we’re working with policymakers to inform them about solutions that make sense and put babies first. We’re working with advocates so they know where to find resources. And, we are working with families, amplifying their voices to be powerful advocates for what our nation’s babies need. We’ve published new resources on the impacts of family separation, hunger, health care access and child care – among other topics – and are vocal in highlighting what’s at stake for babies

What’s happening behind the scenes?

ZERO TO THREE is leading a new Prenatal to Five Policy Network, consisting of more than 35+ leading national nonprofit partners. Collectively, we represent all 50 states and have the infrastructure to mobilize nearly 2 million early childhood advocates in pursuit of protecting babies and their families from harmful cuts and policy changes. We work to advance policies that ensure good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences for every baby.

See what Melissa had to say about New Mexico as the first state to promise universal free childcare:

Impact Report

Standing Strong for Babies and Families

ZERO TO THREE’s latest Impact Report shows how Baby Champions like you bring advocacy into action, expand programs to serve more babies and families, and drive change for those who care for babies. Meet some of the many families and professionals across the country whose lives have been improved by visitingzerotothree.org/impact.

Join the Conversation

“Increasingly, grandparents, teachers, even coaches are stepping back, not out of apathy but fear of saying the wrong thing, crossing a line or being shamed for parenting ‘incorrectly.’ The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to offer kids safe, loving, responsive care.”

Rebecca Parlakian,
ZERO TO THREE

“I remember a desperate mother with twin babies and a 3-year-old. She lost her husband to COVID-19, the breadwinner, had no financial support, and needed help to support her children. I call every week, and it created hope for her and me.”

Anand Patel, PsyD
HealthySteps Specialist

“There’s nothing beautiful about a policy that takes health care away from sick children and struggling families. These proposals would slash billions from Medicaid over the next decade.”

Dena Drabek
Guest Columnist,
The Oklahoman

What matters to you?

Join the conversation and tell us what you think.

Baby Brain Map

Launched in spring 2025, the Baby Brain Map makes it easy to explore how early experiences shape development and gives users simple, real-life ways to support healthy growth and emotional well-being. It’s an interactive tool built for early childhood professionals, caregivers and advocates.