Explore where states stand, track progress on proven policies, and identify opportunities to strengthen early childhood systems.
The interactive Policy Impact Calculator shows how state policy choices affect resources for families with young children. Compare states, track trends, and simulate outcomes.
How do you know if a state policy truly improves outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families? We reviewed thousands of research studies for you.
We conduct original research—including program evaluation, policy analyses, benefit-cost analyses, and mixed methods studies—to build the evidence.
To support lawmakers and advocates, we offer research and evaluation, data and analyses, presentations, testimony, agenda development, and more.
We aim to accelerate states’ implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start.
Who We Are
We are a nonpartisan research center at Vanderbilt University. We focus on the rigorous evidence connecting brain science with state policies and programs.
What We Do
We inform lawmakers, agencies, advocates, and academics about policies to help families thrive–while growing states’ health, safety, and prosperity.
Why prenatal to 3?
The first three years of life have a powerful impact on the future wellbeing of every person. Families can benefit from a strong early childhood system of care.
The Latest
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is one of several evidence-based policies in our 2025 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress toward adopting and implementing policies that effectively improve child and family wellbeing.
Did you miss the Summit? Click here to access the full recording.
POLICIES ADOPTED BY STATES DRIVE MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FAMILIESÂ Press Contact: Sydne Lewis, 615-343-9946, sydne.lewis@vanderbilt.edu The first three years of life are critical for healthy development, yet families in some states
High-quality child care is an essential service that benefits children, families, and the economy. However, rising costs and fragmented workforce structures are contributing to an overall market failure. Many families are finding reliable care to
- Event
- |
Join us on September 30, 2025, to explore the latest Roadmap, expert insights, and strategies to strengthen support for young children and families.
Research suggests that the high cost of child care can lead many parents to limit their participation in the workforce, resulting in negative repercussions for families and the economy. Though increased public investment is needed
