Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Policy: The Case of New York State UPK

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Two Ends of the Pipeline: Early Childhood and Higher Education Social Policy

Abstract

Many states have increased free pre-kindergarten (PreK) opportunities for three- and four- year-olds. An unintended consequence of PreK in some areas has been a suppressed capacity for infant and toddler care. Cross-sector partnering, in which school districts and early care and education programs collaborate to provide PreK, may impact capacity for child care. To better understand cross- sector partnering, this study examines PreK partnering rates over time (2007-2016) across New York State. We find reduced levels of partnering, but also that PreK partnering is linked to reduced community capacity for infant care. This reinforces the need to understand how schools and communities work together to form more effective policy and community partnerships.

Authors

• Hope G. Casto, Skidmore College

• Lisa McCabe, Cornell University

• John W. Sipple, Cornell University