Examining how COVID-19 child care closures affected young children's development in low-income families

Investigating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic child care closures on developmental outcomes of young children in low-income families

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-10953064

This study looks at how the closing of child care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the growth and development of infants and toddlers from low-income families, helping us understand why access to early education and support is so important for these young children.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10953064 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of child care center closures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the developmental outcomes of infants and toddlers from low-income families. It focuses on understanding how reduced access to early education and support services has affected these vulnerable children's growth and development. The study will analyze data from families participating in home visitation programs to assess developmental screening outcomes. By identifying the specific effects of these disruptions, the research aims to highlight the importance of child care in early intervention and developmental support.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and toddlers from low-income families who have experienced disruptions in child care due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are not from low-income families or who did not experience child care disruptions during the pandemic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies and policies to support the developmental needs of young children in low-income families during crises.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on COVID-19 child care closures is novel, previous research has shown that access to quality child care significantly impacts child development outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: COVID-19 disease incidence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.