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

Potty Training: What Should We Know?

Help Me Grow Long Island helps promote the important developmental milestones in a child’s life such as Potty Training. We’ve compiled some resources to . . .
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Alan Muraoka to Serve as Master of Ceremonies at Docs for Tots 20th Anniversary Celebration

Docs for Tots is pleased that Sesame Street’s Alan Muraoka (of Hooper’s store) – will join us as Master of Ceremonies at our 20th . . .
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Breastfeeding – We’re here to help!

Breastfeeding can be a daunting journey for new and expecting parents. We’ve compiled some resources across Long Island that can provide extra support for . . .
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What happens during the first months and years of life sets either a sturdy or a fragile stage for what follows.

Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development