A child's first year plays a pivotal role in later development. Compelling new scientific research confirms that learning truly begins at birth.
Infants rapidly absorb the content of their environments and interactions.
Parent-infant relationships and interactions are key to the social, emotional and cognitive development of young children. Strong, healthy relationships and stimulating environments in the first year of life enable children to navigate later challenges with success. Yet many new Illinois parents struggle with the difficult choice between spending more time with their babies and working outside the home to make ends meet. First Year at Home provides a way for Illinois public policy to support the choices parents make about the best way to promote healthy development during their child's first year. Families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families are not eligible.