ACNJ Launches New Early Childhood Initiative

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The Advocates for Children of New Jersey  (ACNJ) announced the launch of a new advocacy initiative focused on the first three years of a child’s life and beyond, in concert with the Turrell Fund, The Nicholson Foundation, Caucus Educational Corporation,  and Zero to Three.

Why?

The first three years of a child’s life is a time of incredible growth and discovery. Children’s brains grow more 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. Our choices about whether and how we support children during the first critical years almost literally wire some to learn and thrive and others to struggle and fail.

Right From The Start NJ is dedicated to ensuring the resources and services are in place so that infants and toddlers in New Jersey can achieve the highest level of cognitive, emotional, and physical development possible.  The campaign focuses on three areas: • Expanding opportunities for high-quality early care and education • Supporting parents as their children’s first and best teachers (coming soon) • Ensuring access to appropriate health care (coming soon).

About the Partners

The Nicholson Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in New Jersey. The Foundations seeks to improve health and early childhood outcomes by implementing strategies that inform policy and transform service delivery systems.

Zero to Three works to ensure that all babies have a good start in life. The earliest relationships a child has with parents and caregivers dramatically influence brain development, future health and success in school and life. Zero to Three helps nurture relationships by transforming the science of early practical tools and responsive policymakers and advocates.

The Caucus Educational Corporation (CEC) is a non-profit, educational multi-media production company. The CEC produces a variety of programming to keep NJ citizens informed on an array of topics. Through funding from underwriters who value public television and what it has to offer, the CEC is able to produce high quality, relevant video programming. Coverage includes health care, education, NJ politics, lifestyle, arts, business and economic issues, and more.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) works with local, state, and federal leaders to identify and implement changes that will benefit New Jersey’s children. ACNJ’s bi-partisan work results in better laws and policies, more effective funding and stronger services for children and families. This means more children are given the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated.