Resource
Word Wonders: A Free Early Language and Literacy Curriculum
Children can learn about language through everyday play. Download our complete preschool early literacy curriculum, activity guide and songs.
LEARN 2026: Advancing Early Childhood Development
Find your people at LEARN Conference 2026.
LEARN 2026: Advancing Early Childhood Development
Find your people at LEARN Conference 2026.
The first three years of life are the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being.
We support families, professionals and policymakers who shape the lives of young children.
Impact Stories
Discover real-world stories and learn about people who make a difference.
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
Every child deserves a strong start in life. We work to foster healthy development from the very beginning.
Understanding child development is crucial to help caregivers mold 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 community care resources, research-based tips, and tools for effective parenting.
We provide early childhood resources and training programs that support professionals across early learning, health care, mental health services, family support programs and more. Our conferences and trainings, free webinars, and resources deepen understanding of childhood development and strengthen effective practices to help professionals better serve young children and families.
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 and state legislators 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, highlighting the benefits of 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.
Resource
Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: Tips for Early Childhood Professionals
As wildfires destroy communities, many parents with babies and young children will be affected.
Buzzwords Explained: Breaking Down Common Terms in the Early Childhood Field
In this series, ZERO TO THREE's subject matter experts tackle common terms and topics in the early childhood field.
Distillation
Screen Time Tips: 5 Questions to Guide Decisions
Explore simple screen time tips to balance your child's media use with healthy development, play and social interactions.
Report
RATTLED: Babies, Families and a Year of Growing Strain
A national snapshot of life for families with infants and toddlers in 2025 reveals a troubling reality: economic pressure, emotional distress and uncertainty intensified across the year even as families fought to provide stability and love for their babies.
Distillation
5 Ways Parents’ Emotional Regulation Matters for Healthy Child Development
Learn how to stay calm with kids, manage parenting stress and support your child’s emotions with simple, practical strategies.
Resource
What Preschoolers Understand About AI
What do preschoolers understand about AI? Understand the role of parents and caregivers in guiding AI literacy with young children.
Distillation
The Child Care Paradox: Families Pay More, Educators Earn Less
America’s child care system is collapsing . Families are paying more than they can afford, while the very educators who make care possible remain some of the lowest-paid workers in the country. The result? Families are squeezed, programs are closing, and children are caught in the middle.
Distillation
How Babies Learn From Watching and Doing
A new study reveals how infants use their own motor skills to make sense of what they see others do.
Distillation
What do mental health issues in young children look like?
Babies and toddlers can and do suffer from mental health problems caused by trauma, neglect, biological factors, or environmental situations.
Resource
Problem Solvers: A Free Preschool 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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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.
Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts
August 4, 2026
20th Annual Cross Sites Meeting
Join us in honoring 20 years of impact and reimagining what’s possible for babies and families.
Virtual
August 12, 2026
Word Wonders: Exploring Early Literacy Instruction through a Science of Reading Lens
Virtual
September 10, 2026
Positive Behavioral Support: Moving from Frustration to Connection
Participants will learn how to create predictable, supportive routines and apply proactive approaches that help every child feel connected, capable, and ready to thrive.
Virtual
September 14, 2026
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.
Virtual
November 12, 2026
Partnering with Mother Nature: Wellness and Healing
Connection with the natural world can support healing, reflection, and relational wellbeing.
Virtual
March 11, 2027
Unpacking the “Invisible Backpack”
Through guided reflection, discussion, and creative activities, participants will strengthen their capacity for reflective, self-aware practice.
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Let's make babies and families a national priority.
Your gift to ZERO TO THREE will help give children the best possible start in life.
Supporting a child in their first 1,000 days is a gift that can last a lifetime!
A Closer Look
Report
Beyond the Headlines: Expert Analysis on Early Childhood Research
Timely analysis, thoughtful commentary and expert perspectives on early childhood research and stories shaping the field today.
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.
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.
