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
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
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
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,
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 Community-Based Doulas in 2025
Community-based doulas are trained social service professionals who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents, starting during
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
Brief 5: Estimating the True Cost of High-Quality Home-Based Care – Insights from True-Cost Modeling
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