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.
The North Texas Child Care Workforce Study
The North Texas Child Care Workforce Study provides a comprehensive picture of North Texas’s early care and education (ECE) workforce,
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
State Policies to Promote Employer-Supported Child Care
Research suggests that the high cost of child care can lead many parents to limit their participation in the workforce,
Approaches to Improving Early Educators’ Compensation
Early educators remain among the most underpaid workers in the nation despite playing a critical role in child development and
Approaches to Improving Early Educators’ Compensation
Early educators remain among the most underpaid workers in the nation despite playing a critical role in child development and
The Impact of State Minimum Wage Increases
In the 20 states where the minimum wage is set at the federal level of $7.25 per hour, full-time workers
A Tale of Two States: The Impact of State Policy Choices on Family Resources
Since the release of our 2020 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, every state has increased their investment in at least one
State Child Tax Credits: A Promising Policy to Improve Child OutcomesÂ
Ever since the successful temporary expansion of the federal child tax credit (CTC) in 2021, state CTCs have become an
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
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
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
- TOPIC:
- Child care | Economic supports | Health care | Paid leave | Parental health
- TOPIC:
- Child care
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- TOPIC:
- Child care
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- TOPIC:
- Child care
