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

Medicaid is a lifeline to babies, children and their families and covers 2 in 5 of all US births and 40% of all children. It ensures millions of children receive essential care including prenatal care, screenings, sick and well-child visits, dental care and vaccines. Babies who have access to Medicaid have better health outcomes as adults, including better health, educational attainment and higher earnings. Disruptions to Medicaid mean fewer families can access the care their babies need to thrive. We need your voice — call your Members of Congress today and urge them to #ThinkBabies and protect Medicaid! Take action: https://lnkd.in/gZTQqtju #HandsOffMedicaid

Black leaders in early childhood education are leading transformative change, ensuring children, families and professionals have the support they need to thrive. Their work is shaping the future of early childhood development. Learn more about their impact: https://bit.ly/42FKTma

Children are never too young to experience trauma and stress, and these difficult feelings can have a big impact on little kids. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong effects. But we can help. Katrina Macasaet helps early childhood professionals explore the science of brain development with The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old curriculum. Learn more and register for an upcoming training: https://bit.ly/4hkT6RZ

Early life events like parental incarceration, family separation, abuse, or natural disasters leave more than emotional scars. Prolonged exposure to toxic stress can rewire developing brains, triggering constant fight, flight, or freeze responses. While not all babies and toddlers experience traumatic stress after such events, those who do may face long-term impacts on their health and well-being. By fostering supportive environments and offering early interventions, we can help mitigate the effects of toxic stress and set children on a path to resilience. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gu-RaXh6

So much easier to find than Waldo! Here's where ZERO TO THREE has been and will be so far in 2025 featuring Ernestine Walls Benedict, Matthew Melmed, Katrina Macasaet, Katrina Coburn and Christy Stanton!

This Black History Month, we celebrate the Black educators, caregivers, and advocates who have shaped and strengthened the field of early childhood. Their work has laid the foundation for generations of children to thrive, ensuring families receive the care, education, and support they deserve. From pioneering research to transformative community programs, their contributions continue to shape the way we support young children and families. This month, we honor their leadership, impact, and legacy: https://bit.ly/42FKTma Who has inspired you in this field? Drop their name in the comments and let’s celebrate together.

This story was developed to help young children and their families begin to talk about feelings and worries they may have after they have experienced a large-scale fire, like a wildfire. Download the book and access more resources here: https://bit.ly/40Q8aki

I’m thrilled to dive into these and more at my "Babies are Born Learning" session at this year's Los Angeles County Office of Education-LACOE Early Head Start Institute: "Tiny Steps, Big Impact – Shaping the Future of Infants and Toddlers!" I can’t wait to share insights, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow early childhood champions passionate about supporting our youngest learners. See you there!

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