https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/early-childhoodMathematica uses data science, social science, and technology to help people, communities, and organizations around the world improve public well-being.enMathematica Policy Research. All rights reserved. 2014https://mathematica.org/-/media/internet/logo.png?h=68&w=208https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/early-childhood60{6DC5C01A-D47D-466E-B7AB-2FA3FDCC3681}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/family-engagement-toolkitA set of resources to help home visiting programs reach more communities by strengthening their outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:24:20 Z{944B1D6A-4711-4C06-9DDC-6FD8AFCCABBA}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/reaching-and-engaging-families-with-adversities-in-head-startThis report describes the practices Head Start programs use and the challenges they face in recruiting, selecting, and enrolling families facing adversities.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:24:32 Z{3901AAFF-5AFF-4891-80E0-A88D79158242}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/do-early-childhood-environment-rating-scale-3-and-pre-k-classroom-assessment-scoring-system-scoresThis article examines associations between young children’s school readiness and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Third Edition (ECERS-3) and the Pre-K Classroom Assessment Scoring System (Pre-K CLASS), and whether these measures need to reach thresholds to promote children’s outcomes.Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:40:00 Z{9B52B1DC-E251-4903-B7C7-686D082A47AB}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/regional-partnership-grants-to-increase-the-well-being-of-children-affected-by-substance-abuseThe Report to Congress discusses three cohorts of RPG projects. It shares the final findings for the fourth cohort, including characteristics of enrolled families, services received, and changes in outcomes over time. The report also includes interim information for the fifth and sixth cohorts.Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:24:00 Z{7C4BDDA6-2026-49DD-A7CA-4581157D8EE5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/innovative-988-crisis-service-systems-for-children-youth-and-people-with-disabilitiesThis brief describes innovative state approaches to providing crisis, stabilization, and recovery-oriented supports and services for children, youth, and people with disabilities through the integration and partnership of crisis services systems with other service systems. The brief describes partnerships and strategies of five states (Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) that have focused on developing crisis services for these populations.Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:37:00 Z{529DAD54-68CF-4F70-AAAD-92F89D6034D2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/public-investments-in-early-childhood-educationThis brief shares findings from a benefit-cost analysis to determine the economic value of a pioneering initiative to address pay gaps between child care and early education educators and K-12 teachers.Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:52:00 Z{10CD1E68-3315-4403-8956-F049FBE4A214}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/washington-dcs-pef-increased-the-number-of-child-care-and-early-education-workers-after-two-yearsThis fact sheet presents findings on the two-year labor market impacts of Washington, DC’s PEF, a pioneering initiative to address pay gaps between child care and early childhood education educators and K–12 teachers.Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:53:00 Z{62EF6363-EE75-41DF-A7A1-ABFD3019E14C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/investing-in-pay-parity-program-pays-off-for-early-childhood-educators-in-dcA major public investment to boost pay for child care and early education educators in Washington, DC, has strengthened staff recruitment and retainment and produced benefits that exceed costs, according to new research from Mathematica.Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:15:00 Z{53BB3947-174A-4E4B-9B4C-BBE2976D4873}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/holistic-support-for-children-and-caregivers-in-head-start-programsMathematica collaborates with the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation on research using Head Start data to understand and meet families’ needs and improve professional learning for educators, ultimately supporting children’s outcomes.Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:34:29 Z{16CFA9FF-FE9E-4A61-8754-EA62CECC90F3}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/enhancing-the-reach-and-effectiveness-of-american-indian-and-alaska-native-head-start-programsMathematica provided recommendations to the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Head Start for enhancing the reach and effectiveness of American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs.Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:49:40 Z{294F863B-D730-44EB-9FB6-46E1A3245256}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/listed-home-based-child-care-provider-policies-series-brief-1This research brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines HBCC providers’ subsidy funding receipt, preferences, and payment arrangements. It is part of a series presenting a national analysis of listed HBCC providers’ public policy interactions. Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:36:00 Z{73DE7A98-B46B-496F-ABD5-0CA9011CE7F2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/listed-home-based-child-care-provider-policies-series-brief-2This research brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines HBCC providers’ interactions with, perceptions of, and responses to regulations. It is part of a series presenting a national analysis of listed HBCC providers’ public policy interactions. Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:21:00 Z{DCC750D2-EAEA-437E-A76F-72E983ECAE13}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/listed-home-based-child-care-provider-policies-series-brief-3This research brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines HBCC providers’ participation and progress in quality rating and improvement systems. It is part of a series presenting a national analysis of listed HBCC providers’ public policy interactions. Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:41:00 Z{8B020C37-6C32-4705-855E-9A8FE7F654D5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/vote-to-see-mathematica-on-the-stage-at-sxsw-edu-2025PanelPicker® Community Voting for SXSW EDU 2025 is now open. Mathematica and its partners are featured in six proposals. Give each of our presentations a thumbs-up by August 18 to help get us on the stage!Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:16:00 Z{26A6834B-59C2-4DBE-938A-4C807F26E036}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/integrating-services-to-strengthen-children-youth-and-familiesThis 1-page brief explores four key themes for successful service integration to prevent child welfare system involvement, drawing from findings across nine sites that participated in the ASPE-sponsored ‘Case Studies in Supporting Prevention through Program Integration’ project.Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:05:00 Z{360284F6-A85C-4E66-AA2D-D32C752B6E58}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/two-year-labor-market-impacts-of-washington-dcs-early-childhood-educator-pay-equity-fundThis report evaluates the two-year labor market impacts of Washington, DC’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, a pioneering initiative to address pay disparities between child care and early childhood education educators and K–12 teachers.Tue, 28 May 2024 19:56:00 Z{2FC92290-4291-485C-A2E8-308AF948C55F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/family-and-staff-well-being-in-head-start-faces-programs-in-fall-2021-the-2021-2022-studyThis report describes the children, families, and staff enrolled in the 2021–2022 Study of Family and Staff Well-Being in Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey Programs, their family backgrounds and home environments, and the consequences of COVID-19 on employment, income, and health.Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:31:00 Z{1B40D3B0-C0BB-40FB-BB04-D0E6F71AC371}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-early-care-and-education-leadership-study-excels-measure-administration-and-scoring-guideThe Early Care and Education Leadership Study (ExCELS) featured a descriptive study that formed the foundation for developing a new leadership measure in center-based early care and education settings. This guide provides information on the administration and scoring of the ExCELS measure.Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:16:04 Z{6AD90EF8-7024-448B-AC9D-E42D888B177E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/measuring-leadership-in-early-care-and-educationThe ExCELS descriptive study analyzed data from 110 early care and education (ECE) centers that received funding from Head Start, the Child Care and Development Fund, or both and varied in number of children enrolled. The data supported psychometric analyses to create a new ECE leadership measure. Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:44:02 Z{B5758473-7A3B-4EA9-9E3F-D2DECE665A75}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/early-care-and-education-leadership-study-excels-data-usersThe Early Care and Education Leadership Study (ExCELS) featured a descriptive study that formed the foundation for developing a new leadership measure in center-based early care and education settings. This user’s guide provides information on the ExCELS descriptive study restricted-use data files.Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:55:55 Z{8FBF5490-8A97-40BF-B36D-61D7EFC5995D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/reaching-and-supporting-families-most-in-needThis brief describes how Head Start programs participating in REACH case studies identify and prioritize families, including those experiencing adversities, for recruitment and enrollment in Head Start; how they recruit, select, and enroll families, including those experiencing adversities, into Head Start; and how they maintain regular attendance and retain families in the program.Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:26:00 Z{C5629B70-2939-489A-B2C3-0EDA49F1EA13}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/partnering-to-reach-and-support-families-with-the-greatest-needsThis brief summarizes findings from Head Start REACH case studies to illustrate how programs partner with their community organizations to reach and support eligible families, including those experiencing adversities.Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:59:00 Z{A38EBF60-AE9B-4D9E-B240-409064D77D26}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/selecting-families-with-the-greatest-needsThis brief details how Head Start programs develop and implement criteria and processes for selecting families for enrollment. We highlight how these processes are used to identify and select families with the greatest need, approaches that programs perceive as successful, and growth opportunities.Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:22:00 Z{5F3E3B7C-1CF3-4A67-B325-69B31BFEA534}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/mathematica-provides-comments-on-bipartisan-draft-esra-reauthorization-billMathematica provided comments to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee regarding its draft bipartisan legislation called the Advancing Research in Education Act (AREA).Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:55:41 Z{9B5B8015-1399-48F4-A8F1-226C9E284C5F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/healthier-mothers-babies-ca-start-safety-strategies-address-prevent-intimate-partner-violenceThis policy brief highlights evidence-informed strategies and opportunities to integrate intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention services into maternal health care and capitalize on the opportunities presented by recent maternal health initiatives in California.Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:07:00 Z{7E4CA03A-A06A-4C76-BBBD-64C785BF2FE8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/elementary-disruptions-exploring-residential-move-type-timing-and-duration-of-implications-duringMoving is common during middle childhood, and its spatial and temporal dimensions have important implications for children's development.Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:24:00 Z{9665F5C5-BD15-4193-BEEC-13E4D267F4CE}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/lessons-learned-from-conducting-virtual-pre-k-class-observations-in-centers-and-family-child-careTo explore the practicality of conducting virtual pre-K observations, Mathematica, in partnership with Oregon’s Early Learning Division, and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, conducted a pilot study of virtual observations using the Pre-K Classroom Assessment Scoring System. Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:30:00 Z{05CD3A3B-D1D2-4CF6-8B50-B7569C8B4EA2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/strengthening-outreach-recruitment-and-engagement-approaches-with-familiesThis report shares in-depth findings regarding the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance/retention (ERSEA) approaches that Head Start programs use to engage Head Start-eligible families experiencing adversities.Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:21:00 Z{21EF0762-3D41-4D8C-887C-16975028FC2F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/using-rapid-cycle-learning-to-build-momentum-for-change-in-two-generation-service-deliveryThis brief describes how practitioners of two-generation initiatives can use a structured rapid cycle learning process to implement, test, and refine strategies to intentionally align services for caregivers and their children.Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:20:00 Z{240D49EB-7B5E-415B-97A9-49644BAB9268}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/understanding-and-measuring-leadership-in-center-based-early-care-and-education-to-inform-policyThe purpose of the literature review was to understand what is known about what leadership looks like in center-based early care and education settings and how it functions to improve center quality and, in turn, children’s experiences and outcomes. Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:29:00 Z{F6C4C30A-30D2-4012-BAC3-7C2ABF3046E2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/design-option-report-for-the-we-grow-together-process-and-implementation-studyThis report presents a proposed study design that would examine the feasibility and potential benefits of investing in the We Grow Together professional development system for infant and toddler caregivers.Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:09:00 Z{5C9645E9-0BA3-4D02-B6B5-F604B9454B82}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/crosswalks-of-we-grow-together-and-existing-standards-and-frameworksCrosswalks in this report show how key practices in We Grow Together align with six nationally applicable standards and frameworks related to caregiver-child interactions that support the development of infants and toddlers.Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:07:00 Z{D45246A1-6BEE-4198-AF2F-32F4496970FD}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-national-portrait-of-unlisted-home-based-child-care-providers-brief-4This analysis brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines the characteristics of communities in which HBCC providers live. The brief is one in a series that presents a national portrait of unlisted HBCC providers.Wed, 31 May 2023 18:00:00 Z{338FA9B4-BC18-4605-8BAE-76BDA10464A5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/theory-of-change-of-early-care-and-education-leadership-for-quality-improvementThis snapshot brief presents the Early Care and Education Leadership Study (ExCELS) theory of change to show what center-based early care and education (ECE) leadership looks like as well as the influences on—and of—ECE leadership.Wed, 31 May 2023 17:10:00 Z{A8DF06CC-79E9-4162-9F5B-B6BE07281239}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/early-care-and-education-leadership-study-excels-data-users-guideThe Early Care and Education Leadership Study (ExCELS) featured a descriptive study that was the basis for developing a new measure of leadership in center-based early care and education settings. Wed, 31 May 2023 13:46:00 Z{679B3EFA-1940-44E9-ADF3-636468D707E6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/mathematica-responds-to-senate-help-committee-rfi-on-esra-reauthorizationMathematica responded to a request for information from Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the HELP Committee, regarding reauthorization of the Education Sciences Reform Act.Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 Z{5033CA3B-528E-43A9-8728-56FBCE2994AD}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/regional-partnership-grants-cross-site-evaluation-annual-report-for-oct-2021-through-sep-2022The annual report describes the major activities and accomplishments from October 2021 through September 2022 for Mathematica’s contract to conduct the cross-site evaluation and provide technical assistance for the fourth, fifth, and sixth cohorts of the Regional Partnership Grants (RPG).Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:24:46 Z{4B5EEBA4-5C77-49E4-AB93-6ED1FCB6D2DD}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-national-portrait-of-unlisted-home-based-child-care-providers-brief-2This analysis brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines the demographics, economic well-being, and health of HBCC providers. The brief is one in a series that presents a national portrait of unlisted HBCC providers.Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:47:00 Z{D6643961-7C4D-4EAD-8FD9-EFBE48F8ECC1}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-national-portrait-of-unlisted-home-based-child-care-providers-brief-3This analysis brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines how unlisted HBCC providers spend their caregiving time, services provided, and children served. The brief is one in a series that presents a national portrait of unlisted HBCC providers.Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:51:00 Z{D4D30705-749E-46FA-8E74-496DA71ED100}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-national-portrait-of-unlisted-home-based-child-care-providers-brief-1This analysis brief is part of the Home-Based Child Care Supply and Quality (HBCCSQ) project and examines unlisted providers’ caregiving histories, motivations, and recent professional support experiences. The brief is one in a series that presents a national portrait of unlisted HBCC providers.Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 Z{667EC8C1-AC17-4583-A3C5-AA86FE84B4AE}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/state-statutes-for-definitions-of-child-abuse-and-neglectThe State Child Abuse & Neglect (SCAN) Policies Database website now contains updated state statutes from 2021 regarding child abuse and neglect definitions from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:57:08 Z{B510D2EB-E59E-4D11-8A19-F0EDBEAAA0A3}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-infant-and-toddler-teacher-and-caregiver-competencies-project-a-conceptual-model-key-lessonsThis synthesis presents a conceptual model for the implementation of competency frameworks to inform future research about how competency frameworks can be used effectively to improve Infant/toddler teacher and caregiver, program, and system outcomes.Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:27:00 Z{B1975D7A-7466-4E41-BF9A-DCFD15CF7F74}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/understanding-family-engagement-in-home-visiting-literature-synthesisThis literature synthesis is designed to deepen understanding of the facilitators of and barriers to family engagement in early childhood home visiting; the strategies programs use to support engagement; and topics that would benefit from further research.Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:57:45 Z{BFDCE3F7-790F-4E15-BB40-0381711AEE69}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/competency-frameworks-for-infant-and-toddler-teachers-and-caregivers-in-texasThis profile is designed to give the child care and early education field a snapshot of how a competency framework is used in a particular state.Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:28:00 Z{BB4CD326-DB89-4653-A500-3D2BC8C70FD8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/competency-frameworks-for-infant-and-toddler-teachers-and-caregivers-in-oregonThis profile is designed to give the child care and early education field a snapshot of how a competency framework is used in a particular state. Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:20:00 Z{3716B4A0-CDCC-4486-87A3-E9A7E25AA10A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/competency-frameworks-for-infant-and-toddler-teachers-and-caregivers-in-maineThis profile is designed to give the child care and early education field a snapshot of how a competency framework is used in a particular state.Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:12:00 Z{6148E0F9-4726-4F87-AFA0-F39080A486F3}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/competency-frameworks-for-infant-and-toddler-teachers-and-caregivers-in-illinoisThis profile is designed to give the child care and early education field a snapshot of how a competency framework is used in a particular state. Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:56:00 Z{8B212504-46E9-4B02-9E0E-CE6417A3309E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/competency-frameworks-for-infant-and-toddler-teachers-and-caregivers-in-californiaThis profile is designed to give the child care and early education field a snapshot of how a competency framework is used in a particular state. Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:39:00 Z{5F9BB993-1F4E-42CF-A484-F684726C6F73}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-scan-policies-database-fact-sheetsThe State Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Policies Database helps those interested in differences between states’ definitions and policies on child maltreatment. These fact sheets explore key aspects of definitions and policies including defining, reporting, screening, and investigating maltreatment.Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:35:00 Z{08F4043A-6153-4971-B027-CA2E118C5116}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-scan-policies-database-project-descriptionThe State Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Policies Database is a resource for researchers, analysts, and others who are interested in examining differences between states in their definitions and policies on child maltreatment.Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:19:00 Z