Reports
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center conducts original research and rigorous evaluations of state policies and programs. Through mixed methods, we examine not only whether a policy is effective, but also for whom and under what conditions. We calculate the return on investments. Our findings help states strengthen supports for children and families.
Featured
Families across the United States are struggling to find and afford child care. Policymakers, advocates, and researchers have documented the scope of that struggle at the national level for years. What has been far harder to answer is a simpler question: what is happening in any given community?
A new five-part research series from our Center provides that kind of local understanding for greater Nashville, Tennessee.
Additional Reports
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Refundable Tax Credits: Uptake Patterns in Texas Reveal Opportunities for States to Support Families
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Reports & Research Briefs
Because the earliest years of life shape brain development and lifelong wellbeing, the policies and systems that support families with young children matter enormously. Our Research and Evaluation and Policy teams produce reports and briefs across key areas including child care, paid leave, economic supports, governance, and equity to translate the science of early childhood into actionable solutions. Explore our catalog below to find research on the topics that matter most to you.
Brief 1: Early Education for the Next Generation – Understanding Child Care Supply
Child care access shapes whether families with young children can work and whether children receive the nurturing, structured environments that
Brief 2: The People Behind Early Care and Education – Understanding the Early Childhood Workforce
The early childhood education workforce is central to the quality and functioning of center-based child care programs, yet directors across
Why Do We Focus on the Prenatal-to-3 Age Period?: Understanding the Importance of the Earliest Years
The most rapid period of growth for the human brain occurs in the earliest years of life. Our health and
Willing Providers, Waiting Families: Subsidized Child Care in North Texas
In North Texas, child care providers already serving subsidized families are willing to serve more; yet, thousands of families remain
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.
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
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
Low Pay, No Matter the Path for Early Childhood Educators: Findings from North Texas
Recent survey data from North Texas indicate that early childhood educator wages remain far below the local living wage, regardless
Brief 4: What High-Quality Center-Based Child Care Really Costs, and Why No One is Paying It – Insights from True-Cost Modeling
The market price of child care reflects what families can afford to pay, not what it actually costs programs to
Brief 5: Estimating the True Cost of High-Quality Home-Based Care – Insights from True-Cost Modeling
Home-based child care plays a small but vital role in greater Davidson County, Tennessee, offering families flexibility, affordability, and culturally
Why Do We Focus on the Prenatal-to-3 Age Period?: Understanding the Importance of the Earliest Years
The most rapid period of growth for the human brain occurs in the earliest years of life. Our health and
Guaranteed Right to Counsel in Eviction Proceedings
Guaranteed right to counsel in eviction proceedings shows promising early evidence for improving legal outcomes, reducing eviction rates, and supporting
Why Do We Focus on the Prenatal-to-3 Age Period?: Understanding the Importance of the Earliest Years
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Child poverty | Child wellbeing | Economic supports | Equity | Health care | Paid leave | Parental health | Parenting support
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Economic supports
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Economic supports | Health care | Paid leave | Parental health
- TOPIC:
- Child care
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Child wellbeing | Economic supports | Paid leave
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Economic supports
