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Resources

Original research, evidence reviews, and more about how state policies can help all children thrive. Can’t find what you need? Contact us directly with an information request.

Rigorous scientific evidence informs our annual policy guide, which gives states actionable solutions to improve outcomes for all young children.

How do you know if a state policy truly improves outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families? We reviewed thousands of research studies for you.

We conduct original research—including program evaluation, policy analyses, benefit-cost analyses, and mixed methods studies—to build the evidence.

These worksheets walk you through the key levers for policy and program design and implementation—with a focus on building an equitable system of care.

In your state, how do policy choices affect the financial resources a family can use to provide for their children? And how do other states compare?

Our blog features state legislative updates, explainers on complex prenatal-to-3 policy topics, and coverage of important events and emerging research.

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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,

The North Texas Child Care Workforce Study

The North Texas early care and education (ECE) workforce plays a vital role in supporting children, families, and the economy. This report examines demographics and experiences of the ECE workforce, as well as the supply of child care programs they support.

How fixing child care could boost Tarrant County’s economy

Tarrant County needs about 2,000 more early childhood educators to fully staff existing child care centers. That shortage makes it harder for parents — especially mothers — to work, according to a new study analyzing

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.

2025 National Prenatal-to-3 Research to Policy Summit

Did you miss the Summit? Click here to access the full recording.

New Report Finds Wide Disparities in Investments in Children’s Earliest Years Across States

POLICIES ADOPTED BY STATES DRIVE MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES  Press Contact: Sydne Lewis, 615-343-9946, sydne.lewis@vanderbilt.edu The first three years of life are critical for healthy development, yet families in some states