What We Know and Need to Know About How State ECE Policy Can Reduce Disparities in Outcomes for Infants and Toddlers

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at The University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs translates research on the best public investments into state policy actions that produce results for young children and society. The Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Clearinghouse is an ongoing inventory of comprehensive, systematic reviews of the evidence which identify state policies and strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness at creating the conditions in which young children and their families can thrive. This conference session will cover what we have learned from these reviews of causal evidence, including what information is available on the ability of these policies and strategies to reduce disparities in outcomes and promote equity. The session will also feature a discussion of what we still need to know to build the evidence base and support equity in ECE policy, including a vision of a research agenda, developed in collaboration with scholars and practitioners, to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-three system of care.