On May 12, House Democrats introduced the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) that included many important provisions for families with young children.
The HEROES Act is a far-reaching bill that would provide over $3 trillion in much-needed relief for Americans struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, it does not go far enough to meet some needs of today’s families. ZERO TO THREE continues to hear directly from families with infants and toddlers, as well as the child care providers that often care for them, about their experiences coping with financial worries and family stress, which often outstrip health concerns related to the virus itself. Further, we know from the science of child development that babies’ experiences during the current crisis will not only profoundly shape their early development but will bring with it lifelong effects.
Download the full analysis below which highlights components of the HEROES Act that will ultimately affect the nation’s ability to sustain the child care system, boost families’ economic security, support strong families and strong social-emotional health, and meet families’ basic needs during the pandemic and beyond, on the nation’s road to recovery.
