Who We Are

About Docs for Tots

Docs For Tots is New York State’s only pediatrician-led agency that works across the orbit of all – parents, policymakers, health, education, and childcare providers – who can set kids zero to five on the trajectory to thrive throughout their lives.

VISION

As doctors, we are
action-oriented and
deeply committed to promoting
the 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.

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.

History

Docs for Tots builds on 2 decades of experience to bridge children’s doctors with opportunities to promote lifelong health in clinical practice, the community and through advocacy. 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. In 2017, Dr. Isakson assumed the role of sole Executive Director.

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. Promoting High Quality Early Care and Education
4. Improving Social-Emotional Health
5. Addressing the Impacts of Poverty