[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 9 (Monday, March 3, 1997)]
[Page 247]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.