Brief and Webinar: How Will the American Rescue Plan Strengthen the Prenatal-to-3 System of Care? A Summary of the 2021 Act’s Benefits for Infants and Toddlers

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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 invests unprecedented amounts of funding in the prenatal-to-3 period. As a result of this investment, states will have more support and choices to effectively build a comprehensive and robust prenatal-to-3 system of care. The new law includes a number of provisions critical to supporting individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Signed into law on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act broadens states’ flexibility to effectively support children and families and build a comprehensive prenatal-to-3 system of care. The stimulus bill has major implications for the prenatal-to-3 period because it:

  • expands eligibility for programs
  • increases the value and refundability of tax credits for families
  • provides substantial funding increases to public programs serving families and caregivers.

To help the early childhood field navigate the American Rescue Plan and implications for states, the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center has compiled a reference guide on the provisions in the Act that impact infants, toddlers, and their families and is also hosting a related webinar to walk through the Act with experts on March 30, 2021. We hope you and your colleagues can join us for this historic moment.

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