The Social for Research in Child Development just published a policy brief on "Strengthening the Early Childhood Care and Education Workforce Would Benefit Young Children."
The Columbia Population Research Center is accepting applications for the Fragile Families Summer Data Workshop to be held July 11-13, 2012, at Columbia University in New York City.
Evidence suggests that for the youngest children, prolonged or severe exposure to abuse, neglect and economic hardship - exacerbated by a dearth of stable, supportive relationships with adults - can provoke a "toxic stress response" with lifelong consequences. Such stress may influence brain development and increase the risk for illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
SRCD brings the science of child development to public policy through the production of the Social Policy Report Brief, which summarizes the longer Social Policy Report for policy audiences. Reports from 2006 on are available.
Family Impact Analysis critically examines the past, present, or probable future effects of a policy, program, or service on family well-being. Whereas evaluation research focuses on whether the goals of a program are being met, family impact analysis examines how program goals may benefit families or produce unintended negative consequences. The checklists can be used by professionals for formal assessments, or by policymakers or stakeholders for informal self-assessments of how family-centered policies, programs, services, and communities are. The site also includes Family Impact Checklists for Specific Purposes.
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.
To support infant-toddler advocates in their work to promote programs and policies that help improve lives of infants and toddlers, Zero to Three has developed a set of Baby Facts. These fact sheets show how babies are faring in each of the 51 states and the important role federal programs play in supporting their healthy development.
