Pandemic Relief Efforts and Early Care and Education Access: A Statewide Mixed Methods Study

• In Event: Equity and Policy in Education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to forefront challenges and inequities in the early care and education (ECE) system, motivating significant and unprecedented federal investments in ECE. This statewide mixed methods study explores the role of the pandemic and subsequent relief efforts in childrens’ equitable ECE access. Quantitative results reveal a variety of post-pandemic access barriers across multiple access dimensions, with particularly notable challenges with accessing programs that are available and meet family needs. Qualitative interviews with ECE providers highlight the role that pandemic relief efforts play in affordability, staff wages and retention, equitable ECE access, and family workforce participation. Our findings have immediate policy implications as states weigh decisions about continued investments in ECE in the absence of federal relief funds.

Authors

• Gerilyn Slicker, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Alain Bengochea, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Melissa Stoffers, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Priscila Hernandez-Anaya, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Leticia Delgado, University of Nevada - Las Vegas