What kinds of policies would help ensure that infants and toddlers—especially those from poor families—receive the nurturing, enriching, and responsive care they need to succeed in school and life?

To help provide answers, this Policy Brief examines what research reveals about the kinds of relationships, experiences, and environments that foster healthy child development.

It looks at implications for structuring quality child care programs, points to existing models, and identifies barriers.

Finally, it offers policy implications and recommendations.