Examining how COVID-19 child care closures affected young children's development in low-income families
Official title: Investigating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic child care closures on developmental outcomes of young children in low-income families
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10953064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $263,134 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD116227-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prados, Maria Jose — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Prados, Maria Jose
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.