THE PRENATAL-TO-3 SYSTEM OF CARE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The prenatal to age 3 (PN-3) period is the most rapid and sensitive period of development, and it sets the foundation for long-term health and wellbeing. The science of the developing child points to eight PN-3 policy goals that all states should strive to achieve to ensure that infants and toddlers get off to a healthy start and thrive.

State leaders need guidance on how to effectively create the environments in which children can thrive. This Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap identifies the 12 most effective evidence-based investments that states can make to foster equitable opportunities for infants and toddlers.

The Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap is a tool for your state to:

• Monitor the adoption and implementation of the 12 effective policies and strategies (see your state summary below),
• Understand how state policy choices interact to impact the resources working families have to support their families in your state (see the Policy Impact Calculator), and
• Assess the wellbeing of your state’s infants and toddlers and prioritize your state’s PN-3 policy goals (see state-level outcomes and demographic characteristics).