ZERO TO THREE

From transforming child welfare from a system of separation to one of prevention and connection, to advocating for families across the country, we're working every day to make a meaningful impact on the lives of babies and those who care for them. Our mission is driven by the dedication of supporters like you. As we close out this year, we invite you to consider making a donation. Every moment of change, joy, and connection had someone like you to thank for it. Let’s continue building a world where every baby has the strong start they deserve: https://bit.ly/3Z3iHYh

The child care field is facing numerous challenges, including affordability and accessibility as well as underpaid and overworked educators. The Hechinger Report is finding that parents are quitting jobs and passing on raises — to qualify for child care. This development isn't new, as Jenny C., our 2024 Strolling Thunder representative from Arkansas shared with us in our September town hall. Families cannot afford to pay more and early childhood educators cannot be afford to be paid less. There must be a national solution. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4gCCxQa

Our team has been busy over the last couple of months. Here are just some of the places we've been! - Our military families team met with Sesame Workshop's very own Rosita to learn more about an upcoming release of resources that will support emotional well-being, child/parent self-regulation and family connectedness. - Mike Sherman flew all the way to Australia to share about infant and early childhood mental health, child welfare and our Safe Babies program with AAIMH Australian Association for Infant Mental Health and Tweddle Child and Family Health Service. - Our 2024-2026 Fellowship class met with Emotional Intelligence session facilitator David Hardy, Jr. at their November 2024 retreat. - Darneshia Allen and Elizabeth Sims were at the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council Annual Summit, where Daneshia presented on "The Power of Place - Building Relationships to Harness Cross-Systems Collaboration." We can't wait to see where 2025 brings us!

The Safe Babies program uniquely bridges child welfare and early childhood development. It envisions systems where families thrive while addressing the urgent needs of child welfare reforms. In 2024, child welfare policy saw significant progress, with 38 states enacting nearly 200 related bills. This growing momentum reflects a commitment to supporting children and families. Explore our state spotlights to see how these legislative advances can transform the lives of children and families nationwide: https://bit.ly/4gruQfI

In 2024, babies won at both the federal and state levels thanks to the power of supporters like you raising your voice and families sharing their personal and powerful stories: https://bit.ly/3OUVQse Baby champions wrote letters, emails and social posts and talked with policymakers to push for change, nationally, in states and locally. You rallied your networks! And in April, Strolling Thunder™ brought 51 families to Washington, D.C. to meet with their Representatives in Congress and officials at the White House and at the Department of Health and Human Services This attention to the issues impacting babies was reflected in the 2024 presidential campaign, which dominated headlines throughout the second half of the year. Both the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz campaigns raised important issues such as the Child Tax Credit, child care and paid family and medical leave making it clear they heard from families who need solutions and the professionals who support them. Thank you for every effort on behalf of infants and toddlers.

Meet Shana, a resilient mother from North Dakota's Fort Berthold Reservation, who reunited with her children after overcoming substance use and navigating the child welfare system. Shana’s journey is a powerful example of how support and dedication can change lives. Today, she helps Native American families find their strength and thrive. Your donation helps amplify voices like Shana's and supports families across the nation. Join us in transforming lives: https://lnkd.in/gjtmr8bb

The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but they also offer a powerful opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our families and communities.

At the Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems (ECDHS): Evidence to Impact Center, we are committed to helping states and communities provide comprehensive, equitable, and family-centered systems for young children. In our new video, we highlight the Center’s impact since its launch, including: 🫶 Direct technical assistance to transform pediatric care and advance systems-building strategies nationwide. 📈 Robust research and evaluation to build a thorough, all-encompassing evidence base. 💻 Numerous resources through a public website and newsletter, offering updates, tools, and event recordings for providers, family leaders, and more. Together, we are creating a future where all families with young children flourish. With funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS, ZERO TO THREE leads the Center in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Help Me Grow National Center, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Family Voices, Inc. - National, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, Institute for Child Success and James Bell Associates. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gsN8NB

The holidays are here, and so are endless gift guides claiming to know the perfect presents for babies and toddlers. But what really makes a gift meaningful for the little ones in your life? We asked the experts at ZERO TO THREE. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwQ3xTF8

"I don't have to leave the people I love to do the work I love." - GinaMarie (Guajardo) D., Media and Public Relations Associate Director Remote work. Supporting babies, toddlers and their families. What's not to love? Check out our available positions: https://bit.ly/4gvwgG4