ZERO TO THREE

Congress has the power to be a hero for families, but they need to hear your stories! On May 20, families with babies under age 3 from all 50 states + DC will gather in Washington, D.C., for Strolling Thunder 2025. Do you or a family you work with have a story about child care, paid leave or mental health? We want to hear from you. All expenses will be paid and no experience is necessary. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4244oF4

How do we balance safety with the unique developmental needs of young children? Join us for an important conversation about creating effective and compassionate “stay safe” procedures, including lockdown and active shooter drills, tailored for early childhood settings. This training will explore how these drills, while essential for safety, can better support the emotional and developmental needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Together, we’ll discuss strategies to keep children calm and secure during emergencies while fostering an environment of trust and care. This is a must-attend for early childhood educators, early intervention providers, and pediatricians looking to refine their approaches to safety protocols and ensure they align with the needs of the youngest learners. Register here: https://bit.ly/3WyCI7m

Happy Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year is a time of joy and cultural significance, celebrated by many families across the world. From the tradition of giving red envelopes, known as hóngbāo, filled with lucky money to enjoying tteokguk, a rice cake soup symbolizing good fortune, the customs vary widely but share a deep connection to heritage. Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, this holiday is observed in countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and others. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, representing a period of transformation, introspection and strategic growth You can celebrate this special day with young children by exploring books about Lunar New Year written by Asian authors, sampling traditional foods such as dumplings, pineapple cake, steamed square cake, and longevity noodles, or participating in local festivities. Take time to learn about the rich diversity within Asian cultures, and most importantly, enjoy the celebrations together!

Deadline extended! On May 20, we're bringing one family from every state and Washington, DC to Strolling Thunder, where families meet with Members of Congress to talk about the policies that babies need to thrive, including Early Head Start, affordable high-quality child care, infant mental health support and other programs at risk. No experience is necessary and travel expenses are paid. If you have a child under three, or know someone who does, learn more and apply by February 7: https://bit.ly/42lV2EP

Programs like HealthySteps not only provide developmental guidance and support for families, they also help connect caregivers with external resources (like early intervention services), including navigating eligibility and referral hurdles. This article highlights why that is so important 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGEvCK8P To learn more about HealthySteps 👉 https://lnkd.in/gMNmE3Rc

Kinship peer mentoring offers valuable support and understanding to caregivers by connecting them with others who have faced similar caregiving experiences. These programs can also play a crucial role in addressing the practical needs of grandfamilies, such as food, housing, legal assistance, educational guidance and more. Learn more from our partners at the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: https://bit.ly/4hj785H

We're #hiring a new Travel and Event Coordinator in United States. Apply today or share this post with your network.

For infants and young children, mental health and physical health are intertwined, just as they are for adults. Infants and toddlers can’t always express their mental health struggles in words, but they communicate through physical symptoms and changes in behavior. While these signs are often dismissed, trained professionals are equipped to recognize them as early indicators of potential mental health challenges. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4h4aV7m

Reflective practice invites us to pause, observe, and tune in to our thoughts, feelings, and reactions during everyday interactions. In early childhood, it helps us slow down, honor each baby’s uniqueness, and focus on responsive—not reactive—care. For early childhood professionals, it’s a tool to view situations through multiple lenses—leading to thoughtful, impactful decisions for babies and families. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hDt4tk

Dr. Gilliam says maybe this is what’s been happening for a long time with child care, a field where 96% of the workforce are women and, in many communities, disproportionately women of color. Dive deeper: https://bit.ly/4hijkDB