Debates about family policy often focus on an array of programs or interventions like licensed child care, pre-K, or the K-12 education system. But all too often, the family itself as an optimal environment for the healthy development of young children – and a fundamental institution of civil society – gets left out of the discussion.  

This week’s guest explains why we need to elevate the family as “essential infrastructure” for children and society. She also argues for better inclusion of the evidence showing which environments are truly optimal for early childhood development. 

Dr. Katharine Stevens is the founder and CEO of the Center on Child and Family Policy and formerly led AEI’s early child program as a resident scholar. She joins host Nic Dunn to help recenter true pro-family policy at the core of our public debates and offer policymakers and voters a framework for a better approach.

Show notes: 

• Center on Child and Family Policy (ccfp.org) 
• A Flawed Agenda for America’s Young Children — Center on Child and Family Policy (ccfp.org) 
• Does Pre-K Work? The Research on Ten Early Childhood Programs — and What it Tells Us — Center on Child and Family Policy (ccfp.org) 
• How a Faulty Generalization is Sabotaging Early Childhood Policy — Center on Child and Family Policy (ccfp.org) 
• Mitt Romney says Democrats’ proposals are biased toward parents working outside home – Deseret News 
• Parents want more time with their kids. We should find ways to help them – Sutherland Institute 

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.