A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Effects of Head Start for English Language Learners

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Children Engaged in Early Childhood Environments

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Head Start (HS) on early literacy and numeracy skills in English Language Learners (ELLs). Two research questions were addressed: 1) Do children’s early academic outcomes differ between ELLs and non-ELLs when both groups participated in the HS program?, and 2) Do children’s early academic outcomes differ between ELLs who were exposed to HS and those who were not exposed to HS? Propensity scores and average treatment effects for the treated (ATT) were used to estimate the differences of early academic outcomes. The preliminary results indicated that early literacy outcomes of ELLs and non-ELLs are significantly different. Finally, the limitations and future directions for research are discussed

Authors

• Yujeong Park, University of Florida

• Sungur Gurel, University of Florida

• Ji Hyun Oh, University of Florida

• Walter L. Leite, University of Florida