Good Question
What is quality child care?
Explore these expert perspectives that address what it takes to build a system where quality child care is a guarantee.
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Empowering Early Childhood Development
This giving season, we honor the joy of connection. We all have a role in ensuring every child’s journey begins with nurturing connections that last a lifetime.
The first three years of life are the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being.
We're leveraging early childhood development research to provide powerful resources to families, professionals and policymakers who can make a difference in a child's life.
Introducing ZERO TO THREE
We specialize in early childhood development, specifically focusing on the ages 0 to 3. We translate the science of this critical stage in childhood development into resources, training programs and solutions that make a real impact.
As a research-based organization, we know that the first three years of life are essential for shaping a solid foundation for long-lasting health and happiness. It is the most critical window of time in a person’s development. Our aim is to give babies and toddlers a strong start and a chance to reach their full potential by equipping families, communities and policymakers with the knowledge and skills they need.
Impact Stories
Discover real-world stories and learn about people who make a real impact.
Our Focus
At ZERO TO THREE, we offer early childhood trainings and resources to address the most critical issues impacting babies and toddlers. Explore our fields of focus.
Making an Impact Together
Our belief that every child deserves a strong start in life fuels a collective mission to foster healthy development from the very beginning.
Understanding child development and your role as a parent or caregiver is crucial for molding babies and toddlers into the best versions of themselves. We support parents and caregivers through our projects and programs and early childhood development resources, including research-based tips and tools for effective parenting.
Advance your knowledge and skills with our comprehensive early childhood education training programs for professionals. Our resources, from conferences to free webinars, provide guidance for educators, health care workers and other early childhood professionals. They are designed to enhance your understanding of childhood development and inform effective teaching strategies.
ZERO TO THREE advocates for policies that promote the well-being and development of babies and toddlers as well as their families. We engage in research and collaborate with policymakers to influence legislation related to early childhood education, child welfare and child care solutions. We dedicate our efforts to ensure the needs of infants and toddlers are prioritized in public policy decisions.
We emphasize the importance of mental and emotional health in infancy and early childhood development. We provide resources and training for parents, caregivers and professionals on how to nurture emotional well-being in babies and toddlers. Through our programs and campaigns, we promote awareness of the critical impact of early experiences on mental health. We also develop guidelines and tools that you can use to support the mental and emotional needs of babies and toddlers.
Our programs, early childhood development resources and training programs empower communities. In addition to offering local resources, we facilitate training sessions for community organizations and professionals to enhance their capacity to support children and families effectively. By fostering community engagement and collaboration, we help create environments that nurture healthy childhood development.
"This is just what I needed to reestablish my motivation in moving forward with this work."
The Latest News and Featured Resources
Explore the latest news and updates in the field of early childhood development.
Article
Top 10 Wins for Babies in 2024
In 2024, babies won at both the federal and state levels thanks to the power of supporters raising their voices and families sharing their personal and powerful stories.
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Resource
Honoring Every Tradition: Tips for Supporting Diverse Families During the Holiday Season
Celebrating diversity in a way that honors each child’s unique background can help foster a positive environment for infant and early childhood mental health and development.
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The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood: Transforming the Field for Professionals and Children
Artificial intelligence in the early childhood field not only helps professionals by improving efficiency but also opens doors to more personalized learning experiences.
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Journal
Making Father Engagement in Early Childhood Education the Norm
Explore what we can do to shift perspectives and promote the benefits of greater father engagement in early childhood education programs.
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Good Question
How do infants translate sounds to language?
The journey from sounds to language is an intricate process that begins in infancy. Learn about the ways infants begin to translate sounds to language.
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Resource
Problem Solvers: A Free Early STEM Curriculum
Children can learn about math, science and engineering through everyday play. Download our complete preschool and early STEM curriculum, activity guide and songs.
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How can mindfulness support early childhood educators?
Studies show that practicing mindfulness in early childhood settings has an impact on teachers and on the children in their care.
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12 Days of Holiday Reads: Keeping it Shiny and Bright with Babies and Toddlers
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From birth to 3, a child’s brain produces more than 1 million neural connections each second.
Upcoming Events:
Check out our upcoming in-person and virtual events.
Virtual
December 10, 2024
The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series
Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
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Virtual
December 11, 2024
Building Strong Kids by Strengthening Fathers and Families
Join us as we discuss the critical role fathers play in early childhood development and how they can enrich your program to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
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December 11, 2024
Preventive Legal Advocacy: Reimagining Family Representation Pre-Dependency and Post-Reunification
This session explores preventive legal advocacy, focusing on pre-dependency and medical-legal partnerships.
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Virtual
January 15, 2025
The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers
Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
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Virtual
January 15, 2025
The Health, Mental Health, and General Wellbeing of Our Early Childhood Education Professionals
Join us as we explore ways we can attune to the mental health and financial needs of those who provide care for our young children.
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Virtual
January 21, 2025
Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview
The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
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Virtual
February 18, 2025
DC:0—5™: Clinical Training
Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
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Virtual
March 5, 2025
The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series
Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
Details
Virtual
March 18, 2025
Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview
The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
Virtual
April 22, 2025
DC:0—5™: Clinical Training
Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
Details
Virtual
May 7, 2025
The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers
Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
Details
Virtual
June 17, 2025
DC:0—5™: Clinical Training
Tailored for those working with infants and young children, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation.
Details
Virtual
July 15, 2025
Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview
The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
Virtual
August 5, 2025
The Growing Brain Basics Webinar Series
Explore how the brain grows and develops from conception to 5 years old and how you can support healthy brain development during these years when the brain is the most plastic, or receptive to change.
Details
Virtual
September 10, 2025
The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old Virtual Training of Trainers
Our newly designed virtual Training of Trainers combines live online events and self-study to support your journey towards becoming a ZERO TO THREE certified trainer of The Growing Brain curriculum.
Details
Virtual
September 16, 2025
Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0-5™ Overview
The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic system.
Details
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Babies are born with unlimited potential, but it's up to each state to help give them a strong start.
Your Gift Can Chart a New Path for a Child
Your donation to ZERO TO THREE helps train thousands of early childhood providers, empower millions of families worldwide and advocate for responsive policies affecting babies and their families.
A Closer Look
New Early Childhood Books and Best Sellers | ZERO TO THREE
Explore our vast range of evidence-based resources and educational books designed to strengthen your practice.
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Join the Think Babies™ Campaign!
Learn about how you can get involved in the Think Babies™ campaign to promote enriching early experiences and a strong foundation from the start. It's time for policymakers to think babies.
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Early Childhood Issue Areas
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Calling All Baby Champions
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, community leader or policymaker, you can support our efforts and do your part in giving infants and toddlers a strong start in life.
Sign up for our newsletter to access the latest resources, learn about upcoming events and more. Help advance our initiative by making a donation or becoming a member.
