2024 in Review
As we enter a year of change, the team at the New Practice Lab remains focused on delivering outcomes for families.
People- & Family-Centered Policy
Paid Leave in 2025: Three Crucial Battlegrounds for Working People and Families
Vicki Shabo offers a peek at what’s ahead for paid leave in 2025, highlighting three key areas to watch in an unpredictable year.
Pursuing Paid Family and Medical Leave
The Better Life Lab's one-stop shop for testimonies, op-eds, explainers, and other resources related to paid family and medical leave.
Building on Momentum: New America Chicago’s Impact for 2024 & Future Priorities
A look at New America Chicago's accomplishments and impact in 2024 as well as plans for the future.
Conversation in Colorado
Two leaders share how Denver’s long-time investment in early childhood education helped catalyze a statewide transformation.
Neha Ruch and the Gray Area Between Work and Care
The creator of Mother Untitled offers advice and insights for parents who are between work and care responsibilities.
2024 Impact and Reach Report
This report highlights some of the most impactful—and coolest—outcomes the Better Life Lab achieved last year.
People Over Politics: Make the American Dream Affordable Again
CivicSpace asked what Chicagoland residents from all political orientations need to survive and thrive financially. Here's what they shared.
Ali and Pat
A mother tells us about her journey to care for her child and herself.
How Local Early Childhood Initiatives Can Shape State Policy
With some localities moving faster than states on early childhood education expansion, how can their lessons have an upward impact?
Transforming Lives with Child Care and Community Engagement: A Two-Generation Approach
How a new Head Start facility in East Dayton has the power to be transformative for a struggling community.
Better Life Lab’s Best Books on Work-Family Justice, Care, and Gender Equity in 2024
Ten Top Moments of Care on TV in 2024
Ten TV shows stood out in 2024 as showing people providing and receiving care, managing work and care, and navigating life's challenges.
Event Transcript: A Glimpse of Stability, The Impact of Pandemic Aid on Families in Poverty
Participatory Planning to Build Stronger Early Childhood Policy and Programs
Participatory planning is a strategy to build better public services across policy sectors, including early care and education.