WASHINGTON, DC — ZERO TO THREE, the nation’s leading early childhood development nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all infants and toddlers are given a strong and healthy start in life, has expressed strong encouragement regarding President Biden’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget. The organization noted that the federal spending blueprint includes essential, much-needed funding for programs specifically designed to build a robust foundation for young children and their families across the United States.
The announcement comes as early childhood advocates review the comprehensive federal spending plan, which addresses multiple facets of child development, family well-being, and economic support. By targeting key areas that impact the earliest stages of human growth, the budget proposal has drawn praise from child development experts and advocacy groups nationwide who argue that public investments in infancy yield long-term societal and economic benefits.
According to Miriam Calderón, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, the proposed federal investments mark a critical step forward in addressing the holistic needs of America’s youngest citizens and the adults who care for them.
"If implemented, President Biden’s budget released today will make our nation a better and fairer nation to have and raise a baby," said Calderón. "ZERO TO THREE has urged Congress and the Administration to prioritize the needs of babies and their families in five key areas: maternal health, infant and early childhood mental health, child care, housing, and economic security."
Calderón emphasized that the blueprint builds upon themes previously highlighted at the highest levels of government, translating broader national goals into targeted policy proposals. "And, in last week’s State of the Union address, the President laid out a path toward a future where families are empowered and have choices about their baby’s future. This proposed budget expands on this vision with proposals that address all facets of young children’s development," she added.
The release of the President’s fiscal year 2025 budget initiates a critical period of review and negotiation within the United States Congress. While the executive branch outlines its priorities through the budget document, the legislative branch holds the ultimate authority over federal spending through the appropriations process. As a result, advocacy organizations like ZERO TO THREE are shifting their focus toward Capitol Hill, urging federal lawmakers to maintain and build upon the proposed investments for young children.
The organization’s leadership stressed that the wellbeing of infants and toddlers should remain a bipartisan priority, noting that early childhood infrastructure—spanning accessible child care, maternal health support, and economic stability programs—directly influences the nation’s future workforce, educational attainment, and public health outcomes.
"Now, Congress must work with the Administration to deliver for families and babies," Calderón continued, outlining the road ahead for federal policymakers. "We look forward to working with Congressional appropriators and our baby champions on the Hill to make these bold proposals a reality."
As the legislative debate unfolds in the coming months, child development advocates intend to press for robust funding levels across all relevant federal agencies and programs. The outcome of these budget negotiations will ultimately determine whether the proposals praised by ZERO TO THREE and other child advocacy groups are translated into concrete resources for families nationwide.
