Infant and Toddler Project
The infancy period (birth to 3) is a critical developmental period that lays the foundation for everything
that follows. Early brain development and the social and emotional skills that emerge from early
relationships are critical keys to success in school and in life.
In New York State and across the country our public policies need to shift toward earlier investments
in human potential. Investments during the first three years have the greatest impact and the highest
rate of return. As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Brain
research tells us that it makes more sense to get it right in the start than to provide costly remediation
down the road.
The Infant and Toddler Project promotes the importance of the infancy period through a variety of
statewide activities. Whether babies are at home with their parents or in child care settings, we know
that the quality of these early experiences matter.
The primary function of the Infant Toddler Project is to provide coordination and support to the
Regional Infant Toddler Resource Centers across the state. The project also works on numerous state
level groups to provide a voice for babies and assure that state planning starts at birth.
Program for Infant Toddler Care
Promoting Responsive Relationship
Infant and Toddler Resource Network
Healthy Social Emotional Development
For more information, please contact Evelyn Efinger, Infant Toddler Coordinator,
eefinger@earlycareandlearning.org