Early childhood is an important period of development for children and a time of both opportunity and challenge for parents because of the emotional, physical, and fnancial stressors unique to raising a young child. For families of color, these stressors are compounded by daily experiences of interpersonal, institutional, and systemic racism.1 State public systems and community-based organizations play a crucial role in supporting young children and their families and ensuring that they have the resources they need to thrive. Further, robust policies, programs, and services can support families’ physical, mental, and behavioral health, meet their childcare and basic needs, and reach them where they are at home and in their communities. These upstream systems (i.e., those meant to promote well-being and strong families from the start) can create a strong foundation for infant, toddler, and child development and set the stage for their and their families’ future.
View the brief here.