County PN-3 Models

Across the country, states and communities are leading efforts to advance research-based solutions to support infants and toddlers. For the past two years, the National Association of Counties Research Foundation (NACoRF) and the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI), through the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers (NCIT), have provided technical assistance to a cohort of counties to increase the number of children who are developmentally on track for kindergarten.

These communities have convened early childhood stakeholder groups, completed community assessments, set S.M.A.R.T. goals, developed action plans and are currently implementing local strategies and solutions for children from prenatal to age three. Together with our partners, we applaud the pioneering work of the inaugural cohort and their leadership in building stronger futures for infants and toddlers.

Boone County, Mo.

Vision: Implement a home visitation and support system that is delivered seamlessly through a continuum of aligned services focused on a target population of high-risk families from pregnancy to age 3. Learn more.

Dauphin County, Pa.

Vision: Increase the number of children who are school-ready by reducing the number of infants and toddlers who are being suspended or expelled from child care settings by working in alignment with their state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning to improve quality child care and expand access to developmental screenings and Early Intervention services. Learn more.

Pierce County, Wash.

Vision: Reduce child maltreatment rates and improve child health outcomes by implementing a comprehensive system for connecting families to community resources through Help Me Grow and Family Connects. Learn more.

Ramsey County, Minn.

Vision: Create a customized universal family connection and referral system that connects at-risk families eligible for the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) to early childhood services. Learn more.

Tarrant County, Texas

Vision: Improve child health and school readiness by implementing a Help Me Grow model to expand access to screenings across the county and connect parents to local resources. Learn more.

Washington County, Va.

Vision: Reduce the number of babies born substance-exposed by increasing family participation in prenatal classes and home visiting services while expanding access to high-quality child care to support young children.

Watauga County, N.C.

Vision: Develop a comprehensive, innovative and sustainable system that reaches all families beginning at birth by expanding home visiting services and improving access to high-quality child care. Learn more.