Families are children’s first teachers. Yet policies impacting young children are often created without input from parents and families. By meaningfully engaging families in policy and program design, counties can transform services and systems to help young children achieve economic mobility, housing stability and improved health and well-being. Join this virtual convening to learn more about how and why county governments can engage families in planning and implementation efforts. 

 Note: This convening will focus on strategies for urban and larger suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for rural counties, please join the December 18 session. 

Families are children’s first teachers. Yet policies impacting young children are often created without input from parents and families. By meaningfully engaging families in policy and program design, counties can transform services and systems to help young children achieve economic mobility, housing stability and improved health and well-being. Join this virtual convening to learn more about how and why county governments can engage families in planning and implementation efforts. 

 Note: This convening will focus on strategies for rural and smaller suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for urban counties, please join the December 19 session. 

Ensuring that parents and caregivers have access to what they need to raise healthy babies helps build a strong foundation for all future learning and development. This convening will explore the domains of the social determinants of health—the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work and play that shape health and well-being—and share strategies for making policy, program or systems changes that improve health, well-being and education outcomes for young children. Join us June 15 to learn more about how counties can connect families to holistic resources and supports that address the social determinants of health.

Note: This convening will focus on strategies for urban and larger suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for rural counties, please join the June 13 session.

Ensuring that parents and caregivers have access to what they need to raise healthy babies helps build a strong foundation for all future learning and development. This convening will explore the domains of the social determinants of health—the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work and play that shape health and well-being—and share strategies for making policy, program or systems changes that improve health, well-being and education outcomes for young children. Join us June 13 to learn more about how counties can connect families to holistic resources and supports that address the social determinants of health.

Note: This convening will focus on strategies for rural and smaller suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for urban counties, please join the June 15 session.

The Intersection of Climate, Environment & Maternal and Child Health & Well-being

Throughout the lifespan, health and well-being are influenced by many factors, including climate and the environment. There is a correlation between the physical environment where people live, work, and play and their quality of life. Local government has a role to play in building and strengthening communities where all children can grow and live healthy lives. Join us to hear how local and state governments are working together to address and mitigate the current and future impacts of climate and the environment on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, and toddlers in their communities.  

Speakers:

• Arielle Gerstein, Sustainability Manager, Charleston County Resilience & Sustainability, Charleston County, South Carolina

• Dale Morris, Chief Resilience Officer, Executive Office of Resilience and Sustainability, City of Charleston, South Carolina

• Corey Zimmerman, Chief Program Officer, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

This webinar is part of the State and Local Government Prenatal-to-Three Collaboration in Action initiative, conducted in partnership with the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties Research Foundation, National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers. 

Since February 2020, the child care sector has lost nearly 60,000 educators. Because of low pay and lack of access to health care benefits and other types of support, it can be difficult to recruit and retain qualified child care providers. Counties have allocated COVID-19 relief funding to invest in new and existing child care providers, but much of this funding will expire in the next few years. Join this interactive discussion to hear from county leaders about long-term strategies for financing and sustaining investments in the early childhood workforce. The March 22nd convening will focus on urban and larger suburban counties.

Since February 2020, the child care sector has lost nearly 60,000 educators. Because of low pay and lack of access to health care benefits and other types of support, it can be difficult to recruit and retain qualified child care providers. Counties have allocated COVID-19 relief funding to invest in new and existing child care providers, but much of this funding will expire in the next few years. Join this interactive discussion to hear from county leaders about long-term strategies for financing and sustaining investments in the early childhood workforce. The March 21st convening will focus on rural and smaller suburban counties.

Experiencing homelessness in early childhood can have long-term impacts on health, education and well-being for both children and parents. Homelessness among young children is often hidden, making it harder to collect accurate data and ensure that these children are connected to the services and resources they need. Join NACoRF and SchoolHouse Connection to learn more about the prevalence of homelessness among infants and toddlers and how counties can reduce barriers and increase families’ connections to health and early learning programs.

In their earliest years, children benefit from consistent, nurturing relationships with caregivers. However, infants and toddlers are twice as likely to enter foster care compared to older children. The Safe Babies Court Team approach focuses on minimizing trauma when court involvement is needed by improving how the courts, child welfare agencies and other relevant agencies work together to support infants, toddlers and their families. This webinar will review the core components of the SBCT model and highlight how counties across the country are using trauma-informed strategies to support well-being for infants and toddlers involved in the child welfare system.

Speakers

• Aidan Bohlander, LICSW, PhD, Manager, Outreach & Product Development, ZERO TO THREE

• Dina Mezza, Community Coordinator, Early Childhood Court, Brevard County, Fla.

• The Honorable Kelly J. McKibben, Judge, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts of Florida

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our youngest children and their families have dealt with economic challenges, disruptions to child care and increased levels of stress. Counties are supporting children prenatal to three during this critical period of development by investing in and administering services and resources. In this session, participants will hear how county leaders are filling service gaps and strengthening the systems that support early care and education and infant/toddler well-being.

• Hon. Sonya Fischer, Commissioner, Clackamas County, Ore.

• Hon. Brenda Howerton, Chair of the Durham County, N.C. Board of County Commissioners

• Hon. Jeanne McQueeney, Commissioner, Eagle County, Colo.

By assessing local systems that support prenatal to three, counties can increase their understanding of the opportunities, experiences, and challenges faced by families. Collecting and centralizing data can help counties set metrics and identify which programs and services are most successful. Join this conversation with national experts and county leaders to learn approaches for mitigating data challenges and using data to inform policies, programs, and services affecting young children.

In partnership with Verite Education Services

By assessing local systems that support prenatal to three, counties can increase their understanding of the opportunities, experiences, and challenges faced by families. Collecting and centralizing data can help counties set metrics and identify which programs and services are most successful. Join this conversation with national experts and county leaders to learn approaches for mitigating data challenges and using data to inform policies, programs, and services affecting young children.

In partnership with Verite Education Services

By assessing local systems that support prenatal to three, counties can increase their understanding of the opportunities, experiences, and challenges faced by families. Collecting and centralizing data can help counties set metrics and identify which programs and services are most successful. Join this conversation with national experts and county leaders to learn approaches for mitigating data challenges and using data to inform policies, programs, and services affecting young children.

In partnership with Verite Education Services

Experiences in the first three years of life build the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. Yet. America’s maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the developed world. And for families of color, the odds are stacked against them as they face systemic racism and a historical lack of investment. Government leaders are developing and reforming practices and policies that equitably support children and families during the prenatal-to age 3 developmental period.

Join us to hear how local and state government are working to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, improving outcomes, and advancing equity for future generations.

This webinar is part of the State and Local Government Prenatal-to-Three Collaboration in Action initiative, conducted in partnership with the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties Research Foundation, National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers.

More than 7 million children, including 30 percent of infants and toddlers, receive child care in a home-based setting. Home-based child care plays an important role in the mixed delivery system by offering parents care options that have smaller class sizes, are culturally diverse, and may be closer to home or more affordable. Join this interactive discussion featuring Home Grown and county leaders to learn how your county can improve the quality of and access to home-based child care and better support these providers and their unique needs.

SPEAKERS

• Natalie Renew, Executive Director, Home Grown

• Jessica Cafferty, Child Care Policy Lead, King County, Wash.

More than 7 million children, including 30 percent of infants and toddlers, receive child care in a home-based setting. Home-based child care plays an important role in the mixed delivery system by offering parents care options that have smaller class sizes, are culturally diverse, and may be closer to home or more affordable. Join this interactive discussion featuring Home Grown and county leaders to learn how your county can improve the quality of and access to home-based child care and better support these providers and their unique needs.

SPEAKERS

• Natalie Renew, Executive Director, Home Grown

• Spencer Swain, Executive Director, Families First

• Aurora Swain, Director of Operations, Families First

More than 7 million children, including 30 percent of infants and toddlers, receive child care in a home-based setting. Home-based child care plays an important role in the mixed delivery system by offering parents care options that have smaller class sizes, are culturally diverse, and may be closer to home or more affordable. Join this interactive discussion featuring Home Grown and county leaders to learn how your county can improve the quality of and access to home-based child care and better support these providers and their unique needs.

Speakers

• Natalie Renew, Executive Director, Home Grown

• Jennifer Arnaiz, Manager, Child Care Support Services, Montgomery County, Md.

Many state and local governments are taking actions related to early childhood development. Join NCSL Dec. 7, 1pm ET to learn more about how state legislators and city and county officials can work together to improve outcomes for young children and their families through collaborative policymaking.

Learn more about the Government in Action partnership.

Accessible, affordable child care is essential for a strong workforce and thriving local economy. Improving and expanding early learning facilities – the physical spaces where children learn, play and grow – can increase access to high quality child care and enable parents to participate in the labor force. Join NACo and the National Children’s Facilities Network to learn how counties can include early learning infrastructure investments in broader economic development efforts.

Through the historic American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), states, counties and cities will receive direct, flexible aid to address the impacts of COVID-19, strengthen communities and support children and families. Programs like child care, home visiting, and the Child Tax Credit will receive new or increased federal investments. This new funding presents opportunities for families with infants and toddlers and stronger coordination among state and local government on policies and systems supporting young children. Join this webinar to hear from city, county and state leaders about strategies to leverage ARPA to support young children from prenatal to age three.

This webinar is part of the State and Local Government Prenatal-to-Three Collaboration in Action initiative, conducted in partnership with the National Association of Counties Research Foundation, National League of Cities, National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers.

Resources

County resources:

• NACo COVID-19 Recovery Clearinghouse

• County-by-county ARPA allocations

• The ABCs of Prenatal to Three for County Leaders

• Counties Getting Started Guidebook

• July 2021 Peer Learning Network convenings on ARPA (recordings)

• Sign up for the Counties for Kids newsletter

City resources:

• NLC’s COVID-19 Resources HUB

• City ARPA allocations

• Sign up for NLC’s early childhood newsletter here

• NLC and Polco webinar on community engagement

• Fact Sheet: Partnering with City Leaders for Early Childhood Success

• Setting the P.A.C.E. for Infants, Toddlers and Families

• City ARPA examples:

  • Louisville - https://louisvilleky.gov/news/mayor-proposes-first-round-american-rescue-plan-spending

  • Alexandria - https://www.alexandriava.gov/AmericanRescuePlan

  • Saint Louis - https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/stimulus-advisory-board/documents/upload/Draft-Direct-Relief-Framework-SAB-Recommendation.pdf

State resources:

• State ARPA allocations

• NCSL’s database detailing how states are using their Fiscal Recovery Funds

• NCSL Early and Education Bill Database

• NCSL webinar briefing on child care stabilization grants

• Sign up for the NCSL newsletter

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, young children and the systems and programs that serve them have faced serious disruptions and challenges. As counties begin planning how to spend the $65.1 billion of direct, flexible aid available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), there are opportunities to address economic and educational disparities, promote healthy childhood environments, support the essential child care workforce and invest broadly in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Join national experts and peer counties to discuss and brainstorm strategies for prioritizing infants and toddlers in these recovery efforts.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, young children and the systems and programs that serve them have faced serious disruptions and challenges. As counties begin planning how to spend the $65.1 billion of direct, flexible aid available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), there are opportunities to address economic and educational disparities, promote healthy childhood environments, support the essential child care workforce and invest broadly in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Join national experts and peer counties to discuss and brainstorm strategies for prioritizing infants and toddlers in these recovery efforts.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, young children and the systems and programs that serve them have faced serious disruptions and challenges. As counties begin planning how to spend the $65.1 billion of direct, flexible aid available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), there are opportunities to address economic and educational disparities, promote healthy childhood environments, support the essential child care workforce and invest broadly in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Join national experts and peer counties to discuss and brainstorm strategies for prioritizing infants and toddlers in these recovery efforts.

County leaders can partner with local philanthropic organizations to help advise on prenatal-to-three strategic efforts and policy priorities. Moreover, county leaders can leverage public-private partnerships with philanthropic organizations to establish private funding sources for county-based efforts, address equity gaps and maximize local children’s services. Join this interactive discussion with county leaders to explore what your county can do to develop and strengthen public-private partnerships that put infants and toddlers at the top of the local policy agenda.

Speakers

Cara Ciminillo, Executive Director, Trying Together, Allegheny County, Pa.

County leaders can partner with local philanthropic organizations to help advise on prenatal-to-three strategic efforts and policy priorities. Moreover, county leaders can leverage public-private partnerships with philanthropic organizations to establish private funding sources for county-based efforts, address equity gaps and maximize local children’s services. Join this interactive discussion with county leaders to explore what your county can do to develop and strengthen public-private partnerships that put infants and toddlers at the top of the local policy agenda.

Speakers

Charrise Hart, Chief Executive Officer, Ready for School, Ready for Life, Guilford County, N.C.

Michelle Chapin, Project Manager, Ready for School, Ready for Life, Guilford County, N.C.

County leaders can partner with local philanthropic organizations to help advise on prenatal-to-three strategic efforts and policy priorities. Moreover, county leaders can leverage public-private partnerships with philanthropic organizations to establish private funding sources for county-based efforts, address equity gaps and maximize local children’s services. Join this interactive discussion with county leaders to explore what your county can do to develop and strengthen public-private partnerships that put infants and toddlers at the top of the local policy agenda.

Speakers

Linda Beers, MPH, Director of Public Health, Essex County Health Department

Krista Berger, WIC Program Coordinator, Essex County Health Department

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes a historic temporary investment in the Child Tax Credit, expanding both its size and its eligibility guidelines in 2021. As a result, an estimated 27 million children will qualify for new levels of direct income support which could cut child poverty in half this year. Join this NACo Webinar for an overview of key outreach and tax assistance strategies to ensure vulnerable families in your county can access these new benefits.

To learn more, contact Rachel Mackey at rmackey@naco.org

Speakers

JOY BIVENS

Vice Chair, NACo Human Services and Education Subcommittee on Education, Children and Families; Deputy Administrator for Health and Human Services, Franklin County, Ohio

ELAINE MAAG

Principal Research Associate, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

REBECCA THOMPSON

Director, Field Engagement & Tax Opportunity Network, Prosperity Now

Counties have made significant strides in expanding child care services for children and families. County leaders are supporting child care providers with local COVID-19 relief and applying innovative approaches for sustaining child care beyond the pandemic. Join this interactive discussion among county leaders and national experts to explore what your county can do to build the local supply of child care for infants and toddlers and learn more about Bipartisan Policy Center’s child care gap tool.

Speakers

Otter Tail County, Minn.

Marsha Erickson, Early Childhood Specialist, West Central Initiative

Nancy Jost, Director of Early Childhood, West Central Initiative

Bipartisan Policy Center

Linda Smith, Director, Early Childhood Initiative, Bipartisan Policy Center