From birth through early childhood, the brain develops faster than any other period in life. Millions of new connections are made every second. This shapes young children's learning, growth, social and emotional development, and success in school and life. 

Parents and caregivers are essential in supporting young children, and they need to be healthy and have helpful resources to do so. Neighborhoods, communities, schools, and local organizations are critical for ensuring young families have what they need to thrive. It takes a village!

There are huge inequities, though, Young children living in poverty, with caregivers who are immigrants, and from Black and Latino/a communities face systemic gaps in their early childhood years. They and their parents and caregivers have much less support, placing them at a disadvantage from the very beginning. UMECC is committed to changing this.