Closing the School Readiness Gap for Black and Latino Children: Start Early and at Home

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

School readiness gaps for minority children exist prior to pre-school entry. The home context is ripe for providing supports to young children and families in need. This panel will present new evidence across three RCTs from the Parent-Child Home Program in an urban context with Black and Latino families. We argue a “system of care” approach is needed to address the diverse needs of immigrant and ethically/racially diverse families. We highlight findings on school readiness outcomes, discuss the home as a unique platform for strengthening early numeracy skills, and engage the audience in thinking about how to embed home visitation programs within a system of care to address the school readiness gaps between poor and non-poor children in urban contexts.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Jennifer Astuto, New York University

Papers

• Parent-Child Home Program: Unique Service Delivery for Getting Black and Latino Children Ready for Success - Cristina M. Medellin, New York University; Jennifer Astuto, New York University

• Predictors of Early Numeracy and the Home Context as a Place for Leaning - Kalina Gjicali, The Graduate Center, CUNY; Jennifer Astuto, New York University

• Engaging and Retaining Culturally Diverse Families Through a Playful Learning Home-Based Intervention - Cesar Zuniga, Parent Child Home Progran