WASHINGTON, DC — ZERO TO THREE, the nation’s leading early childhood development nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all infants and toddlers have a strong start in life, has expressed strong encouragement regarding President Biden’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget. The organization highlighted that the federal spending plan includes essential and much-needed funding for programs designed to build a solid foundation for young children and their families across the United States.
The announcement comes as early childhood advocates continue to push federal lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of America’s youngest citizens through targeted investments in foundational community systems and family support infrastructure.
“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 President’s proposals build directly upon commitments outlined during the recent State of the Union address, where the administration laid out a path toward a future where families are empowered and have choices regarding their children’s early years. This newly proposed budget expands on that vision with comprehensive initiatives aimed at addressing all facets of young children’s development, recognizing that the earliest months and years of life profoundly shape long-term health, learning, and well-being.
The President’s budget puts forward a series of targeted investments intended to support babies and strengthen families during their most critical developmental windows. These provisions span multiple federal agencies and programs designed to safeguard maternal health, expand access to affordable and reliable child care, bolster economic stability, and ensure stable housing for vulnerable households with young children.
As the federal budget process moves forward, advocacy organizations are turning their attention to Capitol Hill, emphasizing that executive proposals must now be translated into legislative action through collaboration between the White House and lawmakers.
“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.”
The release of the fiscal year 2025 budget initiates months of congressional hearings, negotiations, and legislative drafting. Advocates for infants and toddlers argue that robust funding for early childhood initiatives is not only a matter of family support, but a critical economic and social investment in the nation’s future workforce and civic health. ZERO TO THREE and its network of early childhood leaders intend to maintain pressure on federal decision-makers to ensure these critical provisions remain intact as the appropriations process unfolds in the coming months.
