First3Years began in 1980 as a group of volunteers in the infant mental health field who were concerned about the quality of care for infants and toddlers both inside and outside the home.  The founders wanted to create high quality training and education opportunities for professionals whose work impacts the emotional development of infants, toddlers, and their families.

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In 1986, First3Years was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization, and over the past 40 years we have trained and mentored thousands of professionals across the state on brain development, attachment, separation, trauma, self regulation, cross-cultural awareness, and other infant mental health related issues.  We believe that supporting the social emotional development of infants and toddlers is critical for helping the next generation be healthy, productive members of society.