Contacts:
Max Samis
ZERO TO THREE
202-638-1144
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STATE RANKS AS A/IN [NEAR] TOP/BOTTOM STATE FOR BABIES
COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing disparities
among young children and their families
Embargoed until: April 22, 2021 (10 a.m. EST)
WASHINGTON, DC – New data released today shows that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, STATE ranked as a/near top/bottom state for babies, [UP/DOWN FROM LAST YEAR, IF APPLICABLE]. The State of Babies Yearbook: 2021, released today by national early childhood development nonprofit ZERO TO THREE, comes at a critical time in our nation’s response to the ongoing public health crisis and resulting economic fallout. The research compiles 60 indicators that affect the well-being of children ages zero to three and provides an in-depth look at national and state-by-state progress across three policy areas: Good Health, Strong Families, and Positive Early Learning Experiences.
Though the pandemic itself was unexpected, our longstanding failure to support families with young children – particularly Black and Latinx families and those with low income – ensured that those who were already facing barriers due to longstanding disparities and a lack of equity have been disproportionately harmed by the pandemic.
STATE was among PROPORTIONS states across the United States and the District of Columbia to earn a top/bottom ranking. The State of Babies Yearbook: 2021 shows that the littlest STATE DENOMYNYM face big challenges, and that the 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.
“It has never been more important to tell the story of STATE’s babies. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the littlest among us did not have what they needed to thrive,” said Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer of ZERO TO THREE. “We did not need a crystal ball to know that the pandemic would have lasting effects on children, their families, the state of STATE, and our nation. As advocates for babies, we must push for those permanent policies that we know will address the barriers our children face.”
[INSERT QUOTE FROM ORG LEADER(S):The State of Babies Yearbook: 2021 provides an in-depth look into the disparities and inequities among 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 or focus on specific legislation that would improve the lives of babies and toddlers in your state.]
Decisions that affect babies and families happen at all levels of government. PARTNER ORG has joined ZERO TO THREE and more than 70 other national and state organizations to amplify the Think Babies message nationally and elevate the importance of the first three years in STATE. On May 18, they will join families and babies from all 50 states and DC to urge Congress to boldly invest in our future as part of the national Strolling ThunderTM event.
To access the national profile and state data, visit stateofbabies.org.
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About ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all infants 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. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/zerotothree, or follow @ZEROTOTHREE on Twitter.
About Think BabiesTM
ZERO TO THREE created Think Babies to make the potential of every baby a national priority. When we Think Babies and invest in infants, toddlers, and their families, we ensure a strong future for us all. Learn more at thinkbabies.org or follow @ZEROTOTHREE on Twitter.
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