How childcare center closures affect young children's development
Investigating the impact of childcare closures on developmental outcomes of young children in low-income families
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11163288
This project looks at whether losing access to child care centers during public health disruptions affects developmental screening results for infants and toddlers from low-income families who receive home-visiting services.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a parent's point of view, researchers will use developmental screening records from infants and toddlers enrolled in a home-visiting program and link those records to data on nearby child care center closures. They will compare screening outcomes before and after periods of center closures and across neighborhoods with different closure rates. The team will use statistical methods to account for factors like poverty and other risks, aiming to isolate the impact of reduced child care access. Results will quantify whether decreased access made timely identification of developmental concerns less likely for vulnerable children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants and toddlers from low-income or at-risk families who are enrolled in a home-visiting program that records routine developmental screenings.
Not a fit: Families not enrolled in home-visiting programs, older children beyond the infant/toddler range, or children in higher-income areas may not directly benefit from this specific analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help shape policies and local programs to preserve screening and early supports for low-income children during future disruptions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows early child care and screening support better developmental outcomes, but the specific quantitative effects of child care center closures during public health disruptions remain poorly documented.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PRADOS, MARIA JOSE — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: PRADOS, MARIA JOSE
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 below.
Conditions: Child Development Disorders