Resources
Original research, evidence reviews, and more about how state policies can help all children thrive.
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States Are Helping Thousands of Families Balance Work, Care, and the Costs of Raising Young Children
New report finds continued state momentum across policies that shape families’ financial stability and access to health and child care. NASHVILLE, Tenn....
HOW DID STATES CHANGE THE EARLY CHILDHOOD POLICY LANDSCAPE IN 2026? Big policy wins for families with young children happened across the...
CHILD AND FAMILY OUTCOMES Based on the science of the developing child, we have identified 19 outcome measures to track the overall...
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS The characteristics of families vary considerably by state. A clear picture of the current demographic composition and characteristics of a...
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES WHAT ARE EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education...
EARLY HEAD START WHAT IS EARLY HEAD START AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded program...
GROUP PRENATAL CARE WHAT IS GROUP PRENATAL CARE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Group prenatal care is a model of prenatal care...
STATE MINIMUM WAGE WHAT IS A STATE MINIMUM WAGE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? A minimum wage establishes a floor for workers’...
EXPANDED INCOME ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE WHAT IS MEDICAID EXPANSION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? States can employ several strategies to increase...
EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING PROGRAMS WHAT ARE EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING PROGRAMS AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? Home visiting programs, which provide support and...
Explore Additional Resources
Rigorous scientific evidence informs our annual policy guide, which gives states actionable solutions to improve outcomes for all young children.
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.
These worksheets walk you through the key levers for policy and program design and implementation—with a focus on building an equitable system of care.
In your state, how do policy choices affect the financial resources a family can use to provide for their children? And how do other states compare?
Our blog features state legislative updates, explainers on complex prenatal-to-3 policy topics, and coverage of important events and emerging research.
