Examining Effects of Center-Based Preschools and Family Childcare Homes on Pre- Literacy and Pre-Math Development — Using Propensity Score Matching Strategy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Measurement and Assessment in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study uses 2019 NHES: ECPP data to examine the effects of center-based preschools and family childcare homes (FCCHs) on pre-literacy and pre-math skills among 2- and 4-year-olds, employing propensity score matching. Results show that center-based preschools significantly improve early cognitive outcomes compared to exclusive parental care. In contrast, FCCHs yield mixed or null effects. These findings underscore the effectiveness of center-based programs in promoting school readiness and point to the need for further research on FCCH quality and impact. The study contributes to limited empirical evidence on FCCHs and highlights the importance of understanding differential effects across early education settings.

Author

• QIFAN Zhang, University of California - Berkeley