Time for Parents to Bond with Their Babies

In their new policy brief developed in partnership with Think Babies, PolicyLink highlights how COVID-19 is threatening to widen gaps in opportunity, and makes the case for both paid leave policy and investments in quality, affordable childcare to ensure that we give all babies an equitable start.

Think Babies national and state partners are focused on how to meet the needs of babies and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners shared the following resources with ZERO TO THREE, including federal and state policy recommendations and guidance to professionals and parents on supporting early development during this challenging time. While we’re pleased to share the wealth of resources from our partners, please note that it does not represent endorsement of the content incl...

Bloomberg article highlighting families’ efforts to advocate for paid leave as part of Strolling Thunder and discussing Democratic and Republican bills and funding mechanisms.

News article from Roll Call highlighting Strolling Thunder rally, families’ stories and issues related to paid leave access and health care expenses.

Video from NBC news highlights families’ stories from Strolling Thunder 2019 and their legislative asks, especially access to paid leave.

Article from Providence Journal outlines the 2019 policy priorities of Think Babies state partner Rhode Island Kids Count.

Article from Education NC provides a summary of North Carolina’s second Strolling Thunder event held on April 8, 2019 by Think Babies state partner organizations the North Carolina Early Education Coalition and Child Care Services Association.

The state where a baby is born makes a big difference in their chances for a strong start in life. For the first time, ZERO TO THREE and Child Trends are telling the state-by-state story of America’s babies. The data can be used by policymakers and advocates to identify and act on the challenges facing the youngest members of society.

This policy brief from NCSL provides an overview of recent state legislation that supports infants, toddlers and their families, including state laws that: improve access to and quality of child care, ensure parents have time to bond with young children, and empower parents to support their child’s healthy emotional and physical development.

A fact sheet developed by the National Partnership for Women and Families makes the case for strengthening Rhode Island's existing paid family leave policies.