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.

Search Resources

FILTER RESOURCES BY:

Resources
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.
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
 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.
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
 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
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
Did you miss the Summit? Click here to access the full recording.
Financial hardship in early childhood can disrupt healthy brain development and compromise the foundation for long-term development and wellbeing. Because of discrimination in employment and education as well as unequal opportunities to build wealth, Black,
PROGRESS ACROSS STATES SINCE THE 2020 PRENATAL-TO-3 STATE POLICY ROADMAP The Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap provides state policy leaders with clear guidance on 12 policies and strategies that have a strong evidence base of positively
WEST VIRGINIA’S PROGRESS ON THE PRENATAL-TO-3 STATE POLICY ROADMAP The Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap guides state leaders on the most effective investments to ensure all children thrive from the start. Since the 2020 Roadmap, West