Policymakers require timely, accurate, evidence-based research as soon as it's available. Further, statistical agencies need information about techniques and survey practices that yield valid and reliable data. To better meet these needs, Mathematica Policy Research recently launched a working paper series offering policymakers and researchers access to our most current work.

The series launched with three working papers and will release future papers as they are ready on a regular basis. It will feature cutting-edge research from our health, human services, and survey and statistical experts on compelling issues across Mathematica's diverse topic areas. In addition to providing access to our most current work, the working papers will share some of the in-depth analyses behind our other publications. The papers are intended to encourage discussion before final peer review and possible publication. In keeping with Mathematica's high standards of quality, all working papers undergo a rigorous internal quality review.

ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.

The mission of Zero to Three is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.

A quarter of the world's youngest children suffer one or more forms of severe deprivation and risk, such as poverty, disease, and exposure to violence. Early childhood development (ECD) programs are considered one of the most promising approaches to providing more equitable outcomes for deprived and at-risk children and families. While the number of children and families served by ECD programs has grown, research shows that without a concurrent commitment to program quality, potential gains for children may be lost and glaring disparities in outcomes maintained.

This brief summarizes a longer Social Policy Report by Pia Rebello Britto, Associate Research Scientist at Yale University, Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Professor of Education at Harvard University, and Kimberly Boller, Senior Research Psychologist at Mathematica Policy Research.