Foundation for Child Development (opens in a new tab) is a national, private philanthropy dedicated to research, policy development, and advocacy based on the principle that all families should have the social and material resources to raise their children to be healthy, educated and productive members of their communities. Currently, FCD supports three programs: PreK-3rd Education (3-4 year-olds through third grade), Child Well-Being Index (all children), and New American Children (birth to age 10 living in low-income immigrant families).
Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University (opens in a new tab) generates, translates, and applies knowledge in the service of improving life outcomes for children in the United States and throughout the world. Specifically, the Center is committed to building a unified science of health, learning, and behavior to explain the early roots of lifelong impairments; leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative program and practice models that reduce preventable disparities in well-being; catalyzing the implementation of effective, science-based public policies through strategic relationships and knowledge transfer; and preparing future and current leaders to build and leverage knowledge that promotes the healthy development of children and families and brings high returns to all of society.
ZERO TO THREE (opens in a new tab) is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers and improve their lives.
Early Childhood Mental Health
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (opens in a new tab) is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. The National Federation works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families. Its emphasis on advocacy offers families a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs and their families.
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) (opens in a new tab) GUCCHD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all children and youth, children with special needs, adults with developmental and other disabilities, and their families. Through direct service, training, research, community outreach, technical assistance , and public policy, GUCCHD works to influence local, national, and international programs and policy including critical social issues such as poverty, health and mental health inequities, homelessness, violence, and literacy. The GUCCHD has provided leadership and expanded knowledge to improve systems, practice, and outcomes for young children, children and youth with special health care and mental health needs and their families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) (opens in a new tab) brings a singular and comprehensive focus to childhood trauma. NCTSN’s collaboration of frontline providers, researchers, and families is committed to raising the standard of care while increasing access to services. Combining knowledge of child development, expertise in the full range of child traumatic experiences, and dedication to evidence-based practices, the NCTSN changes the course of children’s lives by changing the course of their care.
Research & Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health (RTC) The Center was dedicated to promoting effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are, or may be affected by mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. This goal was accomplished through collaborative research partnerships with family members, service providers, policy makers, and other concerned persons. Although funding for the Center ended September 30, 2009, publications and other products of the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health can be accessed through The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures website (opens in a new tab)
Expectant Families
Post Partum Support International (PSI) (opens in a new tab) works to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum; disseminating information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health.
Early Care and Education
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (opens in a new tab) NAEYC is the world’s largest membership organization working on behalf of young children from birth through age 8 to set standards of excellence for programs and teachers in early childhood education. NAEYC is known for its workshops and conferences, publications, position statements, and resources for early education providers, families, and affiliated professionals.
Cultural Competence
National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) (opens in a new tab) The mission of the NCCC is to increase the capacity of health care and mental health care programs to design, implement, and evaluate culturally and linguistically competent service delivery systems to address growing diversity, persistent disparities, and to promote health and mental health equity.
Early Childhood Policy and Service Systems
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (opens in a new tab) an organization of pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, offering various resources that focus on professional development, research, publications, and specialty topic areas, including mental health.
Bright Futures (opens in a new tab) is a national initiative designed to advance child health, development and well-being. Bright Futures materials as well as additional resources specific to social and emotional development can be used with child care providers, home visitors, social workers, and other professionals who provide services to children and families in homes and community settings
National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) (opens in a new tab) is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. NCCP uses research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. We promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels including those that focus on family economic security; strong, nurturing families; and healthy child development
The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) (opens in a new tab): In the area of child care and early education, CLASP works to promote policies that support both child development and the needs of low-income working parents. CLASP supports policies that expand resources for child care and early education initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. CLASP also studies the relationships between child care subsidy systems, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-kindergarten programs, and other birth to five early education efforts, to advance ideas that ensure these systems address the full range of needs of children and families.
Professional Development
Erikson Institute (opens in a new tab) is an independent institution of higher education that prepares child development and family service professionals for leadership. Through its academic programs, applied research, and community service and engagement, Erikson advances the ability of practitioners, researchers, and decision makers to improve life for children and their families.
Michigan – Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH) (opens in a new tab) promotes and supports nurturing relationships for all infants that are essential for optimal social, emotional and cognitive growth. MI-AIMH supports and advocates for early intervention in policy, practice, training and advocacy; providing specialized training for infant mental health professionals and have influenced professional development efforts across the country.
Key Resources/Publications
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders, 2005 Series, Volume 1 by Cohen, E. and Kaufmann, R., Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, 2005
