Early Childhood Topics
Mathematica has focused on improving the preparation and sustaining the professional development of the early childhood workforce.
For the Early Head Start evaluation, we developed the Child-Caregiver Observation System (C-COS), which enables researchers to document the quality of interactions between caregivers and children. We used this measure in a study to examine the role of Early Head Start programs in addressing the child care needs of children and families. We evaluated the Early Head Start Enhanced Home Visiting pilot project, an initiative to improve the quality of care provided by caregivers of Early Head Start children. For the Office of Child Care, we explored strategies to improve the quality of care provided by home-based child care providers who serve children from low-income families—including licensed family child care providers and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers. And for First 5 LA, we are examining how enhanced professional development can further support a high quality curriculum.
Get certified to observe caregiver-child interactions.
A QCIT certification can enhance your understanding of the quality of child care and early education settings.
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Publication
Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund (PEF): Do Economic Returns Change Over Time?
This research brief presents findings from a benefit-cost analysis to determine whether a pioneering early childhood educator compensation initiative in Washington, DC, continued to generate positive economic returns in its third year, after transitioning to a new payment model.
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