A Portrait of Fathers in Early Head Start: Two Decades Later

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Abstract

Following the 1997 Early Head Start (EHS) Father Study, there have been notable shifts in programmatic and policy efforts aimed at including fathers in early care and education. Yet, challenges engaging fathers remain, and up-to-date data about EHS fathers is critically needed. This study examined the characteristics and experiences of present-day fathers in EHS using nationally representative data from the EHS Baby FACES 2018 data. We found that most children enrolled in EHS have a father or father figure involved in their lives. Yet, services have only been successful engaging a small number of those fathers. Findings further suggest that EHS fathers are incredibly diverse, and that differences in characteristics by program type may have implications for their service needs.

Authors

• Holly Schindler, University of Washington
  Presenting Author

• Cristina Granda, University of Washington
  Presenting Author