Resources on Policies for Infants and Toddlers

Mar 23, 2009

Infants and toddlers are too often left out of policy discussions on early childhood. States should take a comprehensive approach to the needs of children birth to five, making sure to examine current policies and funding for programs that support the development of infants and toddlers.

ZERO TO THREE has released Early Experiences Matter: A Guide to Improved Policies for Infants and Toddlers, a comprehensive set of tools for use by policymakers and advocates. The Policy Guide brings together evidence from science, research, and practice to examine four important areas for young children: good health, strong families, positive early learning experiences, and systems building. The Guide includes issue briefs, infant/toddler data, and ideas for states to get started.

With an influx of funds to states through the recent Economic Recovery Act, new resources are available to help states move forward on infant/toddler policies, while stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.