What a year for prenatal-to-3 state policy! In 2023, states across the country made substantial investments in policies to support young children and their families. In today’s post, we provide a snapshot of states’ progress
Last Thursday, October 12, the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center hosted our fourth annual Research to Policy Summit . We shared the many ways state policy choices impact families, demonstrated these impacts through our simulation of a family of three in different states, detailed the most effective policies states can employ to help children thrive from the start, and summarized the progress states have made this year toward implementing effective policies.
In some states, a parent working a full-time minimum wage job can obtain a subsidy and comfortably afford child care. In other states, especially in a locality without enough subsidized slots, almost all of that
Demand for subsidized child care slots is already very high. State subsidy programs simply do not meet the need. In many states, families are left lingering on waiting lists—unable to work or forced to use
The demand for subsidized child care slots varies considerably across communities. In many states, however, the supply of such slots is severely limited. Many families who qualify for subsidies are unable to use them because
What do you do if your toddler’s child care just disappears? Maybe the teacher left to take a better-paying, less messy job in retail. The child care center remains open, but with your child’s classroom
By Jacque Whearty, Policy Manager Imagine that you just found out you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will help you feed your two children. But first, you need to fill
Policies supporting early childhood help people meet their full potential, as well as facilitate economic growth. Tax credits reduce child poverty, paid family leave improves parents’ mental health, and Early Head Start programs enhance literacy
In the past several months, legislatures throughout the United States passed transformative policies for children and families. This exciting, evidence-based legislation includes a historic investment in child care in Vermont, Medicaid expansion in North Carolina,
Opportunity begins before we are born. Beginning prenatally, certain children will face substantial obstacles to healthy development, whereas others will thrive from the start. Opportunity follows state policy choices. Where a baby lives makes a
