A Report Card on New York’s Infants, Toddlers, and their Families

The New York Zero-to-Three Network (NYZTT) promotes the optimal development of young children, their families, their communities and the systems that serve them in the New York City region. The Capstone team was asked by NYZTT to create an advocacy tool to bring political focus to the problems facing the zero-to-three population in New York City and New York State. The team engaged in an extensive literature review and data collection on key topics such as health, early care/education, economics, child welfare, mental health and safety. In addition, the team contacted numerous agencies in the state and city government and spoke with NYZTT Board members who are specialists in these key areas. Multiple forms of dissemination were researched to find the most effective method to present this information. From this research, the team identified the most compelling indicators and statistics and developed it into a comprehensive report card. This report card will be used to educate and lobby New York City and New York State legislators as well as the general public into making young children a priority by investing in key, proven programs and services focused on our young children.