    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 24, 1997]
    [Pages 205-206]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Federal Policies Targeted to Children in Their Earliest
    Years
    February 24, 1997

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Federal Policies Targeted to Children in Their Earliest Years

        Over the past few years, scientific research has demonstrated that
    the earliest years of life--before children reach school-age--are
    critical to cognitive, emotional, and physical development. We know that
    emotional nourishment, intellectual stimulation, parental and community
    support, good nutrition, proper health care, quality child care, and
    safe housing during the first years of life form the foundation for a
    child's ability to learn, thrive in school, work productively, and
    contribute fully to society.
        Across the Federal Government, we are making great strides to
    enhance development during the earliest years of life by investing in
    research, educating parents and care-givers, and supporting programs
    that provide early intervention to disadvantaged families. I am
    committed to accelerating our efforts to target the earliest years of
    life. We all have a stake in ensuring that every child is given the
    opportunity to fulfill his or her God-given potential.
        Today, I am directing the heads of executive departments and
    agencies to report to me within 30 days with:
            1.   a comprehensive list and assessment of existing projects
                and programs funded by your agency that target the earliest
                years of life--including any existing qualitative

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                or quantitative evidence of success, as well as current
                funding levels and number of clients served--and a
                description of any proposed improvements to such projects
                and programs.
            2.   a comprehensive list and assessment of any planned projects
                and programs of your agency that target the earliest years
                of life, including projected funding levels and number of
                clients to be served; and
            3.   specific proposals for additional projects and programs
                this year that could be undertaken to improve the earliest
                years of life that do not require new spending or that fall
                within the proposals in the FY 1998 Budget, or that could be
                developed for consideration in the FY 1999 Budget, within
                the limits of my Balanced Budget Plan.
        I am also directing the establishment of a senior level interagency
    working group to share, examine, and develop these assessments and
    proposals.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on February 26.