The first few years lay the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. A baby's brain grows faster during these years than any other time, reaching 85 percent of their adult size by age 3. The lessons young children learn from their environments have a lifelong impact, affecting everything from life expectancy to earning potential.
It’s because of this incredible time of growth and discovery that ACNJ is calling for state leaders to do more for our children right from the start. We are gearing our efforts to ensure that New Jersey supports:
- Quality, affordable child care;
- Time for parents to bond with their babies; healthy emotional development;
- and strong physical health and nutrition.
As a lead partner in New Jersey’s Right from the Start campaign and a proud partner of the national ZERO TO THREE Think Babies campaign, ACNJ is working to promote enriching early experiences and a strong foundation for development from the start. Read about our partners.
Our first rally for babies was a success!
On May 21st, Advocates and families from across NJ strolled in front of the State House to let Governor Murphy and the Legislature know it’s time to make our youngest children a higher state priority. We want them to #ThinkBabies when they are making decisions.
Learn more about the event, view pictures and news coverage.
RightFromTheStartNJ.org
Learn more about the critical importance of the early years of child development, from birth to three.
ThinkBabies.org
Learn more about the national issues affecting children.
