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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Project
Using Rapid-Cycle Techniques to Spur and Test Innovation: The Early Learning Lab
The Early Learning Lab is a new venture designed to catalyze the innovation and learning needed to support great teaching and caregiving for all young children. The lab uses new tools and approaches in partnership with others to design, test, and promote the large-scale adoption of effective and scalable solutions that help adults build the skills and practices that support children’s success.
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Partner with us at the intersection of data science, social science, and technology to progress from inquiry to insight to impact. Our evidence-informed solutions empower you to see clearly and act quickly.
