SUPPORTING
EARLY
CHILDHOOD

Why This Issue Matters

The early years are critical for children’s rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development. In fact, 90% of children’s brain growth is complete by age 5, with progress continuing into their mid-20s. Rising costs of childcare services are untenable for parents, and limited slots of affordable childcare and home visiting services are available. Childcare and home visiting models report a variety of positive results including healthier birth outcomes, lower incidence of abuse or neglect, and better school readiness.  

WCA's Current Efforts

Head Start Workgroup: convene local grantees, elected officials, and donors to advocate for increased program capacity and family accessibility. 
Home Visiting Expansion: support the statewide response to home visiting needs as part of the NYS Home Visiting Coordination Initiative. 
ISP 0-6 Committee: work with state partners to improve access to early childhood development resources for families.

Take Action

Read the WCA Report on it’s conference on what is needed to advocate for our youngest children.

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  • Child & Youth Homelessness
  • Home Visiting / Early Childhood Development
  • Youth Justice / Raise the Age
  • Youth Development