About

Docs for Tots is a non-profit, non-partisan organization led by pediatricians to promote practices, policies, and investments that will enable young children to thrive. Docs for Tots supports linkages between doctors, policymakers, early childhood practitioners, and other stakeholders to ensure that children grow up healthy. Our focus is on the youngest children and their families, from prenatal care to children age five.

Vision

As doctors, we are action-oriented and deeply committed to promoting Docs for Tots vision: All families are able to fully support the healthy development of their children during early childhood. Supporting children’s development is the foundation for a healthy and successful society.

Priority Issues

Docs for Tots provides doctors and other stakeholders tools to transform practice and improve public policy with a focus on five priority issues:

  1. Promoting the Early Childhood Medical Home
  2. Increasing Developmental Screening
  3. Improving Access to High Quality Early Care and Education
  4. Improving Social-Emotional Health
  5. Addressing the Impacts of Poverty

History

Docs for Tots builds on a decade of experience to bridge the practice of pediatrics with the promotion of what is best for young children and their families. Docs for Tots was founded in 2003 by pediatrician Dr. George Askew. In 2012, Docs for Tots assumed the leadership of Co-Directors Dr. Dina Lieser and Dr. Liz Isakson who are long-time colleagues in advocating for the youngest children. They are pediatricians with a track record of building relationships across the many professional service systems that reach young children and their families.

Mission

Docs for Tots brings together children’s doctors and communities to promote practices, policies and investments in children from prenatal to age five that foster children’s healthy development and future success.


Latest News

February 2023 Newsletter

Check out our newsletter and see what we’re up to! In case you missed it – here is our February Newsletter! . . .
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Docs for Tots 20th Anniversary Year

Milestones to Remember 2023 is the 20th anniversary year of the founding of Docs for Tots. We will be highlighting a milestone each month . . .
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Dr. Isakson addresses New York State Legislature

On February 13, 2023, Dr. Elizabeth Isakson, Docs for Tots Executive Director, testified at the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Human Services, seeking renewed . . .
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Quality early childhood education settings have great potential to transform our nation’s health.

Dina Lieser, MD, FAAP