Improving the Odds for Young Children

Improving the Odds for Young Children shines a spotlight on state variation in the policy commitment to low-income young children and families. The result is a unique, state-by-state picture of the population of young children and the policy choices that states make across a range of services.

The project provides state-specific, regional and national profiles that integrate data about an array of policies that affect early childhood development.  These policies fall into three categories: health and nutrition, early care and learning, and parenting and economic supports. Descriptions of the policies and the research base for their effectiveness can be found in the User Guide to the State Early Childhood Profiles.

The 2007 report State Early Childhood Policies summarizes state-level policy choices at the national level, and sets a benchmark for future reports.

The state profiles can be readily used by legislators, the business community, and others looking for a quick yet comprehensive overview of a state’s efforts to promote healthy development and school readiness. The project also conducts ongoing analyses to highlight both policy opportunities and challenges to improve the odds for young children.

Improving the Odds is funded by the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, the A.L. Mailman Foundation, and an anonymous donor, and is a member of the Birth to Five Policy Alliance.