Early Childhood

Early childhood is a time of rapid change and critical milestones during which the trajectory of a child’s development and well-being is shaped by their interactions with family, caregivers, teachers, and multiple programs and services. However, many children and families do not receive the supports they need to reach their full potential, especially those who have been marginalized by racism and systemic inequalities. Further, the fragmentation of the early childhood system—which includes early childhood policies, programs, services, and infrastructure—challenges the system’s ability to best support children, families, and its workforce. Child Trends’ early childhood research agenda focuses on the needs of young children and their families as they grow, learn, and access early childhood services in their communities and states.

We embed equity in our research by addressing the discriminatory structures and policies—both historically and at present—that have negatively impacted children, families, and members of the workforce. We work across sectors and levels of governance by considering the local, state, and nationally funded care, education, health, and social service programs and services in which children participate during their first eight years of life.

We also study factors that can positively impact young children, such as supports for engaging families, provisions for the well-being of the early childhood workforce, neighborhood resources, and high-quality systems of services that promote positive experiences and outcomes. Our focal research areas include: