Research Connections’ librarians have curated this page to include publications that may be of particular interest to child care and early education policymakers, professionals supporting the workforce, and researchers. The publications were selected because they align with federal priorities, seasonal priorities, current events, or national interest. Many of the highlighted publications have been featured in Research Connections newsletters.
How much does a teacher’s education matter? This study looks at the education levels of assistant teachers in prekindergarten classes to determine whether education levels play a role in the assessment scores of at-risk children. The findings indicate that, although the education levels of lead…
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the ability to directly assess children. Using data from Head Start, this report examines whether an alternate measure—teacher reports—can be used reliably when direct assessments are unavailable. The findings indicate that teacher reports have strong associations…
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the ability to directly assess children. Using data from Head Start, this report examines whether an alternate measure—teacher reports—can be used reliably when direct assessments are unavailable. The findings indicate that teacher reports have strong associations…
Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children and ECE programs is essential. The University of Michigan and the Urban Institute published this synthesis of 76 studies, which offers evidence of the pandemic’s impact. The authors also provide policy recommendations informed…
In this report, the Bipartisan Policy Center presents findings from its December 2020 national survey. According to their survey results, child care run by a faith-based organization is used by more than half (53 percent) of working parents who use center-based care. Higher income families tend…
This literature review published by NIEER examines research regarding infant/toddler care over the span of more than three decades. The review highlights key findings from the literature, including the relationship between the Child Care and Development Fund and quality child care. The author…
Two-generation programs, which provide services to children and their parents simultaneously, are increasing in number across the United States. This report from the Urban Institute looks at three case studies in cities across the U.S. to estimate the staff labor cost of a two-generation program…
Food insecurity can be felt by children, their families, and their teachers. This study, published in the journal Appetite, explores how food insecurity affects the classroom using quantitative and qualitative data. These data include interviews with early care and education teachers on their…
This brief from the McCormick Center presents nationwide data collected with the Program Administration Scale from 2010 to 2021. Findings suggest that most programs “do not have well-developed administrative practices in place to support program sustainability and long-term quality” (p. 1). The…
What are the effects of child care assistance policy changes? This study from Michigan Child Care Policy Research Partnership looks at five policy changes aimed at improving access to high-quality care. The authors explore how each policy impacts child care subsidy application approval and use.…
This interactive resource from the Urban Institute provides national and state fact sheets that cover the child care needs of families who work nontraditional hours. The snapshots also discuss each state’s proposed policies for child care during nontraditional hours using data from Child Care…
This special issue collects articles from the United States and around the world regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the ECE sector. The articles cover a range of topics, such as remote learning for special education in the United States and the wellbeing of ECE providers during the pandemic.…