Much of the trajectory of our lives is set in motion in our earliest years. A myriad of factors are in play, from family life and health care to education and housing. These are the moments when we learn our first words, eat our first meals, and take our first steps. These are also the moments when systemic inequities can take hold—if we allow them.

The right investments and policy changes can give everyone a healthy early childhood. While the state and federal levels often get the most focus, cities and towns like yours can take innovative and powerful steps right now to make healthier and more equitable communities. And because childhood health is impacted by so many factors, there are many unorthodox and innovative levers to make real improvements right now.

Research shows what those who have spent time with young children know intuitively. 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5. Data shows that the most important days in determining a child’s quality of life, longevity, and success is the first 1,000.

But in the U.S., where we spend more per person on health care than any other country, our present systems are failing too many children and families. Those who give birth in the United States are 10 times more likely to die of childbirth-related complications than people in other developed nations. Infant mortality is also high. The U.S. ranks 33rd out of the 38 OECD nations in infant mortality.

And these tragic scores only grow when we examine the racial inequities within them. Black women are disproportionately more likely to die from childbirth-related complications. And the infant mortality rate for Black babies was nearly double that of others. But this isn’t a fate that we must accept, or a burden we should leave individual parents and families to shoulder. We can change our systems.

The Schott Foundation was joined by an expert panel for a lively discussion of what’s at stake, what must be done, and how each of us can get started:

• Lara Burt — Senior Program Specialist, National League of Cities (NLC)
• Melanie Latson — Policy & Research Manager, National Black Child Development Institute
• Krista Scott — Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
• Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari — Co-Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education of New York
• Anthony Trotman — Executive Director, Katie Blessing Foundation
• Patrick St. John (moderator) — Narrative & Digital Campaign Director, Schott Foundation for Public Education

Resources

Schott Foundation:

The Loving Cities Index – The Loving Cities Index is a tool and framework that provides a comprehensive analysis of local systems of love and support The Index framework draws from the wisdom of communities and a large body of evidence-based research to identify 25 indicators that represent the supports needed for students to have the opportunity to learn and achieve academic and economic success.

National League of Cities:

Municipal Roadmap to Early Childhood Success –  a practical framework grounded in real city experience, peer exchange, and strategies that help local governments protect progress and build responsive systems for children and families. (not member gated but you do have to enter your name and email address to view the page)

Early Childhood Leaders Peer Network Series – registration link for a four-part peer learning series designed to support cities as they strengthen early childhood systems, learn from one another, and stay connected to what’s emerging nationwide. The first event in this series “Navigating the Moment: Local Leadership and the Roadmap to Early Childhood Success” is on February 18^th.

National Black Child Development Institute:

Afrofuturism and Systems Change

Eight Essential Outcomes

Black Infant and Maternal Health Report

We Know Best Toolkit

Reimagining Child Care: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Family, Friend and Neighbor Care

Alliance for Quality Education:

New York Child Care for All

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:

RWJF’s Research, Evaluation, and Learning