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Alliance for Early Success and ZERO TO THREE Launch Early Intervention Advocacy Learning Collaborative

In partnership with the Alliance for Early Success, ZERO TO THREE (ZTT) launched a new opportunity for state advocates, an Early Intervention (EI) Advocacy Learning Collaborative. This introductory experience is for advocates who wish to become more familiar with EI and more active in this critical state policy area. By creating this space to deepen understanding of the Early Intervention system, advocates will get ideas, inspiration and knowledge from one another, leading to positive change in their states.

States operate their own EI programs in compliance with federal law but have flexibility in policy areas such as eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms and collaboration with other state agencies. Advocates in this learning collaborative plan to understand together where there is opportunity for impact in their states, and completed a registration survey describing their hopes to:

    • Increase educational outreach about EI to policymakers
    • Communicate policy goals and personal stories to catalyze change
    • Focus on intersections with state programs and systems such as infant mental health, child care, primary care, and home visiting to ensure inclusion and quality service for babies and toddler with disabilities
    • Understand funding opportunities in their state
    • Examine equity gaps in the provision and experience of EI services
    • Engage parent and provider voice at every stage of EI advocacy work

Advocates from 16 states and the District of Columbia signed up for the EI Advocacy Learning Collaborative which kicked off March 6, 2024 and will continue through August 2024. Advocates embraced establishing connections with one another, and shared opportunities in their states for positive momentum with EI.

The group appreciated that several members have lived experience with EI as a former EI provider, or as a parent or sibling, including a parent leader who is part of the ZERO TO THREE facilitation team. Their presence and perspectives are central to better understanding the EI experience for children and families.

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