Child Care and Early Education Research Connections

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The child care & early education glossary defines terms used to describe aspects of child care and early education practice and policy; the research glossary defines terms used in conducting social science and policy research, for example those describing methods, measurements, statistical procedures, and other aspects of research.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U V W
Race to Top Early Learning Challenge Grant (RTT-ELC)
A federal grant competition that awarded funding to select states to improve the quality of early learning and development programs and to close the achievement gap for children with high needs. RTT-ELC legislation was authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
Redetermination Period
The period of time that a family can receive assistance before having to reestablish that they are still eligible for a benefits (e.g., a child care Subsidy).
Regulated Child Care
Child care facilities and homes that are required to comply with either a state's regulatory system or another system of regulation. There is considerable state variation in the characteristics of the homes and facilities that must comply with regulations, as well as in the regulations themselves. See related: Licensed Child Care.
Reimbursement Rates
Refers to the amount of money that child care providers who accept CCDF Vouchers (Subsidies) are reimbursed by the state to care for low-income children. The amount Providers are reimbursed depends on a variety of factors, such as whether their program participates in the state's QRIS. A program or provider's reimbursement rate may also depend on characteristics of the children they serve, such as whether they care for children with Special Needs.
Relative Child Care
Child care provided by extended family members either in the child's home or at a relative's home. See related: Informal Child Care; Kith and Kin Care; Family, Friend and Neighbor Child Care (FFN).
Resilience
Refers to children’s ability to cope and develop in positive ways when faced with setbacks, hardships or adversity. Resilience in children can be fostered at the individual, family and community level. See related: ACE.
Respite Child Care
Child care services, typically provided to vulnerable families, that offer temporary relief, improve family stability, and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect. Respite child care can be planned or offered during emergencies or times of crisis.
Retention (Staff)
Refers to the ability of programs to retain their employees over time. Staff retention is a well-documented problem in early childhood programs that affects program quality
Risk Factors
Refers to circumstances that increase a child's susceptibility to a wide range of negative outcomes and experiences. Risk factors for low school readiness may include parental/family characteristics such as low socioeconomic status and education, children's characteristics, such as whether the child has Special Needs, or community conditions and experiences, such as whether the child has access to high Quality early care and education. Compare with: Protective Factors.
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