Contact:
Joe Weedon
jweedon@zerotothree.org
202-277-9410
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For Embargoed Release:
September 27, 2023 at 12:01 am ET
ZERO TO THREE Releases the Fifth Annual State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 Showing [STATE] Still Has Work To Do To Support babies
The data shows America’s babies are increasingly diverse and that poverty and disparities in access to resources continue to be defining features of a baby’s experience.
WASHINGTON, DC – New data released in the State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 by the national advocacy group, ZERO TO THREE, the nation’s leading early development nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, shows infants and toddlers in [STATE] face increasing challenges related to income inequality, housing, child care, physical health and mental health
[Insert Quote from local leader] [The State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 provides an in-depth look into the disparities and inequities experienced by babies and families when examined through the lenses of race/ethnicity, income, and geography. Using your state’s data, identify areas where the biggest gaps exist. This is also an opportunity to highlight the work your organization is doing to promote equity and stability and how the data can be used to inform your state’s recovery efforts. You can also use this to include a call to action, urging state leaders to pass specific legislation that would improve the lives of babies and toddlers in your state.]
[IF YOU RANKED NEAR THE TOP]
… Despite [STATE]’s ranking as a top state for babies, children living in families with low income and children of color still face daunting obstacles, created in large part by structural racism and inadequate wages that make it difficult for them to reach their true potential.
[IF YOU RANKED NEAR THE BOTTOM]
… Children in [STATE], particularly those living in families with low income and children of color face daunting obstacles created in large part by structural racism and inadequate wage structures that make it difficult for them to reach their true potential.
The State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 highlights five public policy areas where, if bold action is taken, can dramatically improve outcomes for babies across America. These policy areas are:
- The Crisis in Maternal and Infant Health.
- Seizing the Opportunity to Promote Positive Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
- A Commitment to Early Care and Education as a Public Good.
- The Hidden Developmental Threat of Unstable Housing.
- The Economic Insecurity That Engulfs Many Babies.
The Yearbook compiles more than 90 indicators – specifically for children ages 0 to 3 – to measure support for babies and their families. States are evaluated against these indicators and grouped into four tiers that represent progress toward implementation of policies that improve outcomes for babies. The data reveal that the states that are making progress include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
“Babies have unlimited potential and every baby deserves the opportunity to thrive,” said Miriam Calderón, Chief Policy Officer of ZERO TO THREE. “The data confirm that many families with infants and toddlers in conditions that science tells us can have a detrimental impact on healthy development.
“The pandemic is over, but for millions of babies and their families, the state of emergency continues. The Yearbook is far more than a collection of data and insights; it’s a fervent call to action to stand as champions for change,” Calderón continued. “We stand at a crossroads of policy and possibility. We are asking Congress, the Biden Administration and state leaders step up with lasting commitments to support young children and families. Urgent action is needed if we are going to make progress on the systemic challenges that babies and families, particularly our babies of color and those experiencing low incomes face.”
[IF YOU RANKED NEAR THE TOP]
Though [STATE] was among PROPORTIONS states across the United States to earn a top ranking, the State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 shows that some of the littlest STATE DENOMYNM still face big challenges, and that effective policies and programs in STATE can make a difference in their ability to reach their full potential. The Yearbook highlights areas where STATE can do better for its babies.
[IF YOU RANKED NEAR THE BOTTOM]
[STATE] was among PROPORTIONS states across the United States to earn a bottom ranking. The State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 shows that the littlest STATE DENOMYNM face big challenges, and that effective policies and programs in STATE can make a difference in their ability to reach their full potential. The Yearbook highlights areas where STATE must do better for its babies.
The State of Babies Yearbook: 2023 is available at www.StateofBabies.org.
If you want to connect with representatives from ZERO TO THREE or with families impacted by issues highlighted in the report, please contact Joe Weedon at 202-277-9410 or jweedon@zerotothree.org.
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About ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals, and policymakers. Learn more at www.ZEROTOTHREE.org.
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