The science is clear: Our brains grow faster between the ages of 0 and 3 than at any later point in our lives. Every second, more than one million new neural connections form. These connections have a lifelong impact on how babies learn and grow, and are stimulated and strengthened by nurturing relationships, early learning experiences and good health and nutrition.
Our future begins with babies. We can help make sure all families have the resources and support they need to give their babies a strong start in life.
ZERO TO THREE created Think Babies™ to make the potential of every baby our national priority. Early experiences shape how a baby’s brain develops, laying the foundation for future learning, behavior and health. Think Babies™ brings nationwide attention to what babies and families need to thrive.
ZERO TO THREE is partnering with leading children’s advocacy organizations to bring Think Babies™ closer to home. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is proud to lead the Think Babies work in Rhode Island!
Please see this new Fact Sheet from Think Babies and the National Partnership for Women and Families — Strengthening Paid Family Leave Will Help Rhode Island Families.
First smile. First laugh. First hug.
These are the moments of human connection that we cherish from the moment we're born.
RIght from the Start
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is coordinating the RIght from the Start campaign to develop and advance policies benefiting infants, toddlers, and young children. Please see the RIght from the Start campaign agenda here.
Celebrating Young Children Luncheon
- 2020: On January 27, 2020, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT held the second annual Celebrating Young Children Luncheon. At the event, 200 attendees celebrated progress, discussed goals for the future, and recognized the commitment of leaders to providing a strong start for young children birth through age 8 and their families. For more information, please see the data presentation, event pictures, and media release.
The RIght from the Start campaign was also introduced at the Luncheon. RIght from the Start is a campaign to advance policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island. Please see the RIght from the Start 2020 Legislative and State Budget Priorities! RIght from the Start Steering Committee members include Beautiful Beginnings, Economic Progress Institute, Latino Policy Institute, Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health, Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.
- 2019: At our Celebrating Young Children Luncheon on January 28, 2019, we celebrated progress, discussed goals for the future, and recognized the commitment of leaders to providing a strong start for young children birth through age 8 and their families. Please see the media advisory, Progress & Potential for Rhode Island Children Birth Through Age 8 presentation, event pictures, and Providence Journal coverage.
Virtual Strolling Thunder - 2020
On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT facilitated
Strolling Thunder RI in partnership with
RIght From the Start. Although we couldn't physically make it to the State House for our annual advocacy event, that couldn't stop our army of parents and cute kids from “virtually strolling” to push for policies and legislation to ensure that ALL Rhode Island kids, regardless of zip code, race, ethnicity, or family income, get off to the right start in life. Please see
the activity on Twitter,
the activity on Facebook, and amazing
Facebook live Capitol TV broadcast.
Strolling Thunder Rhode Island - 2019
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with ZERO TO THREE, organized a major advocacy event to bring approximately 40 Rhode Island families with babies and toddlers to the State House. Strolling Thunder Rhode Island took place on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Strolling Thunder™ is the flagship advocacy event of the Think Babies™ campaign, part of a national campaign designed to bring attention to the many issues that affect what babies and families need to thrive. Please see the media advisory, event pictures, Capitol TV segment, and Twitter activity for more information!
Strolling Thunder Rhode Island - 2018
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with ZERO TO THREE, organized a major advocacy event to bring approximately 40 Rhode Island families with babies and toddlers to the State House. Strolling Thunder Rhode Island took place on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Please see the fantastic event pictures, Twitter activity, Capitol TV clip, media release, and Kidoinfo coverage.