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Research Brief

Research Brief

2025 Prenatal-to-3 Legislative Roundup

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.

State Policy Progress on Community-Based Doulas in 2025

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

Benefit-Cost Analysis of a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program in Vermont

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

State Policy Progress on Child Care Subsidies in 2025

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 Policy Progress on Earned Income Tax Credits in 2025

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

How Do State Policy Choices Impact Family Resources?

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

Low Pay, No Matter the Path for Early Childhood Educators: Findings from North Texas

Early childhood educators are vital to shaping the development of young children, but despite the significant responsibility of nurturing young learners, many educators earn wages that fall far below a living wage. In this brief,

State Policies to Promote Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

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

State Policy Progress on Paid Family and Medical Leave in 2025

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.

Child Care: From Market Failure to Strategic Investment

High-quality child care is an essential service that benefits children, families, and the economy. However, rising costs and fragmented workforce structures are contributing to an overall market failure. Many families are finding reliable care to

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