In North Texas, child care providers already serving subsidized families are willing to serve more; yet, thousands of families remain waitlisted. Download the brief Child care is one of the highest expenses families with young
With most legislatures adjourned for the year, we recap the 2025 action on state policies to support children and families. So far this year, lawmakers throughout the country debated—and many passed—legislation that aligns with four key components of the prenatal-to-3 system of care.
Many expectant parents share a similar experience of being overwhelmed during one of life’s most transformative periods. Identified as one of several effective policies that can impact a state’s prenatal-to-3 system of care in our
Paid family and medical leave policies are proven to strengthen families’ economic security, support the health and wellbeing of children and parents, and improve mothers’ labor force participation, among other benefits. In partnership with the
High-quality and reliable child care is a vital resource for families and communities, often determining parents’ ability to work or pursue education or training—all avenues that could help them provide for their families. However, the
State earned income tax credits (EITCs) provide financial support to low and moderate-income families, offering relief that can reduce poverty and improve economic stability. Research shows that access to supports such as EITCs can lead
The Policy Impact Calculator compares the level of resources available to a full-time working family across states. This interactive tool offers a self-guided tour of the substantial variation in state policy choices for working families
Recent survey data from North Texas indicate that early childhood educator wages remain far below the local living wage, regardless of years of experience or education level, offering little incentive for educators to stay or
Did you know state policies play an important role in promoting infant and early childhood mental health? Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) describes the capacity of a child leading to healthy social and
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is one of several evidence-based policies in our 2025 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress toward adopting and implementing policies that effectively improve child and family wellbeing.