ZERO TO THREE is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Financing Policy Project (FPP) with the launch of Cohort 4. Delaware, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and Pennsylvania will join a growing network of leaders from 35 states dedicated to advancing state policies and funding strategies that support the mental health of infants, young children, and their parents and primary caregivers.
Since its inception, the FPP has supported over 30 states in developing innovative policy and financing strategies that improve mental health care access and services across the IECMH continuum—from promotion and prevention to assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Through tailored technical assistance and a collaborative learning community, the project empowers states to enact policies that ensure all children and families receive the support they need.
“Investing in IECMH isn’t just about early childhood—it’s about building a stronger, healthier future for future generations to come,” said Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE. “Through the Financing Policy Project, states are leading policy change that ensures every infant and toddler receive the mental health support they need from the beginning laying the foundation for lifelong well-being.”
States can build resilient communities by prioritizing nurturing, responsive relationships between young children and their caregivers. The FPP helps states design and implement financing models that sustain accessible, high-quality IECMH services, strengthening early childhood systems nationwide.
“States are boldly addressing some of the toughest challenges in IECMH financing, and we’re proud to support them in this transformative work,” said Lindsay Usry, Director of IECMH Strategy at ZERO TO THREE. “Cohort 4 brings innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and momentum to this growing national movement.”
We’re excited to welcome these new states and in collaboration with all of the FPP states will continue working toward a future where every infant, toddler, and caregiver can access the mental health support they need.
Learn more about the transformative work of the first three Cohort states and how they build systems that meet the unique needs of infants, young children, families and the workforce that supports them.
