Child Development and Public Policy Issue Briefs

Child Development and Public Policy Issue Brief, Vol. 1, No. 2:

Meeting the Needs of Infants and Toddlers



Child Development and Public Policy Issue Brief, Vol. 1, No. 1:

Early Childhood Development: What Matters MOST?


FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PRINT,WE ASK THAT YOU LIMIT YOUR PRINTING TO ONE COPY FOR PERSONAL USE. Please call the office to inquire about obtaining reprints: 623-1868 x201, or e-mail mainekids@mekids.org





READ THE COVER LETTER ENDORSED BY MAINE'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION!

Dear Colleague:

In recent years, we have begun to recognize the significant connection between children's early relationships and home and childcare environments to their social and cognitive development. Most of our information about the latest research findings, however, comes from mainstream news reports, which do not provide the type of analysis necessary for parents, advocates and policymakers to understand the factors at stake and make informed decisions on behalf of children and families.

For years, the Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book has provided policymakers and the public with reliable and timely data on the health and well-being of Maine children and families. In this new series of Child Development and Public Policy issue briefs, the Maine KIDS COUNT project offers readable summaries of scholarly research in the areas of child development that are most relevant to public policy. This first issue brief, "Early Childhood Development: What Matters Most?" offers parents, advocates, and policymakers an informative overview of established findings and common misconceptions about what children need for healthy development.

This series of Child Development and Public Policy briefs will help bridge the gap between scholarly research and interpretation on child development issues, and practical, informed public discourse and policy on the most effective ways to help children and families. We trust you will join us in supporting this effort.


Sincerely,

Senator Olympia Snowe
Senator Susan Collins
Representative Tom Allen
Representative Michael Michaud