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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 Lever Checklist: State Child Tax Credit

Research is clear that money matters for children’s wellbeing and achievement. Greater income allows parents to better meet children’s basic needs, and financial stability can reduce parental stress. State child tax credits (CTCs) provide one

State Child Tax Credits: A Promising Policy to Improve Child Outcomes 

Ever since the successful temporary expansion of the federal child tax credit (CTC) in 2021, state CTCs have become an increasingly common state policy to support families’ economic stability. Prior to the expansion, only 6

How States Structure Early Childhood Governance—and Why It Matters

Across the US, states take different approaches to governing early childhood programs, shaping how services are structured, how families access them, and how agencies coordinate support. Early childhood governance refers to the organization of government

Funding Mechanisms for State Paid Family and Medical Leave Programs

Learn how statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs are financed through payroll contributions from workers and employers. This policy brief explores key decisions for funding PFML programs, including start-up funding, premium contributions, rate determination, and wage coverage.

Securing the Future: Examining Dedicated Sources of Funding for Child Care Subsidy Programs

Access to high-quality child care is essential for a family’s active workforce participation and children’s healthy development. Child care is not just a service—it is crucial infrastructure that supports economic stability and growth both for

State policy progress on paid family and medical leave in 2024

 Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is one of 12 evidence-based policies in our 2024 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress toward adopting and implementing policies that effectively improve child and family wellbeing.

State policy progress on community-based doulas in 2024

Community-based doulas are trained social service professionals who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents, starting during pregnancy and continuing throughout the postpartum period. Community-based doulas are one of 12 evidence-based policies

State policy progress on refundable state earned income tax credits (EITCs) in 2024

 A refundable state earned income tax credit (EITC) of at least 10 percent of the federal credit is one of 12 prenatal-to-3 policies included in our 2024 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress

State policy progress on child care subsidies in 2024

Child care subsidies provide essential financial support to make child care more affordable, assisting families as they navigate the challenges of balancing work, education, and training. Child care subsidies are one of 12 evidence-based policies

2024 National Prenatal-to-3 Research to Policy Summit

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