Rigorous scientific evidence informs our annual policy guide, which gives states actionable solutions to improve outcomes for all young children.
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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 empower states with rigorous evidence to implement effective and equitable policies that ensure 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
Did you know state policies play an important role in reducing child maltreatment? Rapid neurological development makes children especially susceptible to harmful stressors, such as maltreatment, during the prenatal-to-3 period. Though we may expect prevention
Rigorous research finds that statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) policies have broad beneficial impacts to children, parents and families, and the labor force. This brief provides examples of the impacts of state PFML
Nearly all workers have needed or will need time away from work. When life and family responsibilities necessitate time off, paid family and medical leave (PFML) policies serve as an important tool to support both
Outreach to Business Leaders on Paid Family Leave March 27, 2024 Paid family leave is one of the most impactful, yet cost-effective, policies a state can adopt to support infants, toddlers, and their families. Despite
Impacts on workers, families, and the state budget
ESTIMATED FISCAL AND HUMAN SERVICES BENEFITS OUTWEIGH COSTS BY AS MUCH AS 18:1 Press Contact: Molly Kramer, 615-343-8948, molly.m.kramer@vanderbilt.edu Today, we released Benefit-Cost Analysis of H.B.181, a Pennsylvania bill to create a new paid family
