ZERO TO THREE

Policy choices have a big impact on child poverty. Supports like the expanded, fully refundable child tax credit (CTC), SNAP, and Medicaid lift millions of children out of poverty each year, while decisions to limit access to these programs make poverty worse. See more data: https://bit.ly/4hz3FkB

"There was a time I didn’t know if we’d make it. I live in Edgewood. I’m a full-time student, a part-time gym employee and a mom to four kids. It’s a lot. But what keeps me going is this dream that my children won’t have to grow up with the same struggles I did. I’m studying social work and political science because I want to break the cycle of poverty in our family. For good. Child care is the only reason I can do any of this. Because of Early Head Start and child care subsidies, I pay $105 a month for all four kids. My youngest two are in a trilingual program where they’re learning English, Spanish and Garifuna. My daughter with special needs is in a center that really sees her. I wouldn’t have found these places, or afforded them, without assistance. We were experiencing homelessness and living with my grandparents when I applied for help. Somehow, within 48 hours, we had child care. It's still a stretch. But these programs are the only reason I’m not stuck. It’s not just about surviving. It’s about giving my kids a better future. Every hour I spend in class or at work is a step forward for all of us." - Alexis C., Washington You can help make more stories like Alexis's possible: https://bit.ly/3WRpFxV Right now, your gift to ZERO TO THREE will be matched, doubling your impact for babies and families. Even better, if you start a new monthly gift, your first month donation will be tripled. The demand is growing. The need is urgent. And the time to act is now, when it matters most. Your gift today will help a family move from barely holding on to finally moving forward. Thank you for standing strong with us.

Maribel Lopez has been separated from her children since early September, detained and deported to Guatemala, leaving behind her 2-year-old son. She has a pending asylum case on appeal after fleeing years of abuse in her home country. This isn’t just a news story. Separation from a primary caregiver isn’t something a baby “gets over.” It’s trauma. And for babies and toddlers, that trauma shows up in ways many adults don’t recognize. Trouble sleeping. Clinginess. Aggression. Silence. Confusion. Deep sadness. It can leave lasting scars. Professionals working with immigrant families often ask: “How can I help this child? What do I say to the caregiver left behind? How do I even begin to make this okay?” Access our resource for professionals who work with families affected by deportation, detention and forced separation: https://bit.ly/4dZLgMf It’s trauma-informed, culturally-responsive and built for home visitors, caseworkers, therapists, early childhood educators, community leaders and others who are walking into these situations and trying to carry some of the weight.

An AP News report highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring timely family visits for children entering Maine’s child welfare system. The state requires visits between parents and children within seven days of removal, yet in many cases, those first moments of reconnection are delayed for weeks or even months. Says Aidan Bohlander, LICSW, PhD, Outreach manager for Safe Babies, "When a baby is separated from their parents, that separation alone is stressful, even when it’s meant to keep them safe. That’s why frequent, early family time is so important. The first supervised visit isn’t just a procedural step. It’s a lifeline that helps preserve those early bonds essential for lifelong healthy development." These early visits matter. Separation is inherently stressful for babies and young children, even when it’s meant to keep them safe. Frequent, consistent family time is a powerful step towards healing. Each visit helps babies and parents rebuild trust, strengthen attachment, and move closer to reunification. Safe Babies works with courts, child welfare agencies, and community partners to design systems that make these early connections possible. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4o4IgCi Learn more about our Safe Babies program: https://bit.ly/3XDO1g8

I am excited to join my dear ZERO TO THREE colleague, Aidan Bohlander, LICSW, PhD to represent the Safe Babies program at the 2025 HRSA MIECHV All Grantee Meeting. If you'll be attending, please stop by to say hello! #homevisiting #MIECHV #childrensmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #perinatal #childdevelopment

Tell us what topics and formats help you grow. Whether it’s reflective practice, IECMH, early learning trends or clinical case studies, through webinars, in-depth analysis or quick reads. Your feedback will help us shape future learning experiences that meet your needs. It just takes 2 minutes! zerotothree.org/content Plus, you’ll be entered to win a ZERO TO THREE-branded Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack! 🎒

Thank you to Board Member Dr. Michelle Sarche for sharing her story of connection, mentorship and the deep meaning of early childhood work. Read her reflection on how her family roots and cultural identity shaped her lifelong commitment to supporting Native children and families: https://bit.ly/3JeeADT

I will give a talk at NAEYC Annual Conference 2025 on Moving Forward: Building the Future of the Early Childhood Education Profession. Hoping for a great turnout! - via #Whova event app