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The First Years Shape a Lifetime

90% of brain development happens before age 5. Yet too many DC families face barriers to the support they need during these critical years. ECIN bridges these gaps through innovative programs that transform how our community supports young children:

HealthySteps

Embeds mental health specialists in pediatric clinics, identifying challenges early and supporting 13,000+ children where families already receive care

Parent Cafés

Creates peer-led support networks that build resilience, reduce isolation, and transform parents into community leaders and advocates

PROMISE

Supports the wellbeing of educators, parents, and children across 28 early learning sites, recognizing that thriving adults create thriving classrooms

Prenatal to 5 Capacity Building Collaborative

Connects prenatal-to-5 systems and services, ensuring families can navigate from pregnancy through early childhood with comprehensive support

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

Connects prenatal-to-5 systems and services, ensuring families can navigate from pregnancy through early childhood with comprehensive support

Explore our programs and innovations

Building Stronger Foundations for DC's Youngest Citizens

ECIN promotes resilience and healthy physical and emotional development in young children and families from pregnancy through age 5 in Washington, DC through innovative models, partnerships, research and systemic change.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training
Advancing accessibility and workforce development through our certificate programs in clinical, consultation, and family leadership tracks

Community Mental Health & Peer Support
Establishing sustainable funding to integrate peer support workers and community mental health training across clinical and community settings

Early Childhood Educator Wellbeing
Advocating for policies and funding that strengthen educator resilience and workforce sustainability

Family-Centered Pediatric Care
Expanding HealthySteps to provide comprehensive clinical and non-clinical services for families with children birth to three

Family Wellbeing & Protective Factors
Strengthening families through Parent Cafés and programs that enhance protective factors for healthy child development

Mental Health Consultation in Classrooms
Ensuring every DC infant, toddler, and Pre-K classroom has access to mental health consultation and support

Culturally-Grounded Mindfulness
Expanding mindfulness programs designed by and for Black and Brown caregivers across DC

Perinatal Mental Health
Securing comprehensive screening, prevention, and intervention services for maternal mental health across all care settings

Learn more about our policy agenda

Real Change Happens Together

"Nothing about us, without us" guides everything we do. ECIN's approach centers on:

Community Co-Creation
Parents, educators, and community members are equal partners in designing and implementing every program.

Cross-Sector Collaboration
We unite healthcare, education, and social services to wrap comprehensive support around families.

Evidence and Innovation
We measure what works, adapt based on community feedback, and scale proven solutions.

Sustainable Systems
We advocate for policies and funding that ensure programs can thrive for years to come.

Learn more about how we work

Co-Creating the Nurturing Connections Every Child Needs to Thrive

The First Years Shape a Lifetime

Building Stronger Foundations for DC's Youngest Citizens

Real Change Happens Together

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