WASHINGTON, DC — ZERO TO THREE, the nation’s leading early childhood development nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all infants and toddlers have a strong and healthy start in life, has expressed strong encouragement following the release of President Biden’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget. The organization highlighted that the federal spending plan incorporates essential and much-needed funding for programs designed to build a solid foundation for young children and their families across the United States.
According to leadership at ZERO TO THREE, the sweeping federal proposals address critical milestones in early childhood development, offering a comprehensive framework aimed at supporting families during the most formative years of a child’s life. The organization has long advocated for increased federal investments that prioritize the well-being of the youngest members of society, viewing the newly released budget as a vital step forward in national policy.
"If implemented, President Biden’s budget released today will make our nation a better and fairer place to have and raise a baby," said Miriam Calderón, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE. "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 noted that the administration’s fiscal blueprint directly builds upon commitments outlined previously by the President. "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."
The proposed federal budget outlines a series of targeted investments intended to bolster support systems for infants, toddlers, and the adults who care for them. These measures are designed to tackle systemic challenges that affect early childhood development, ranging from healthcare access during and after pregnancy to affordable, high-quality child care options that allow parents to balance workforce participation with family responsibilities.
By focusing federal resources on these foundational pillars, the administration’s plan seeks to alleviate some of the financial and structural pressures currently facing parents and caregivers nationwide. Child development advocates have frequently pointed out that the earliest months and years of a child’s life lay the groundwork for lifelong cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. Consequently, federal support in these targeted sectors is viewed by proponents as an investment in the nation’s long-term economic and social health.
With the budget now officially transmitted to Capitol Hill, attention shifts from the executive branch to the legislative arena. The formulation of federal spending bills requires extensive negotiation and cooperation between lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as the administration, to translate proposed figures into enacted legislation.
Emphasizing the urgency of the legislative process, Calderón called upon federal lawmakers to seize the opportunity to enact meaningful change for the nation’s youngest citizens.
"Now, Congress must work with the Administration to deliver for families and babies," Calderón continued. "We look forward to working with Congressional appropriators and our baby champions on the Hill to make these bold proposals a reality."
As the appropriations process moves forward in the coming weeks and months, child advocacy organizations, policymakers, and community leaders will continue to evaluate the details of the budget proposals and advocate for provisions that protect and support infants, toddlers, and their families.
