Disparities in the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families of Preschool-Aged Children in California

• In Event: Families and Children Navigating During COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis engendered unprecedented challenges for parents with young children. Understanding the scope and nature of the crisis effects can inform practices and policies in the field of early care and education (ECE). This study aims to examine the links between demographic factors and pandemic-related impacts. We surveyed 3,867 parents in Northern California. Results indicated the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmingly restrained parents’ access to quality childcare. Gender, race/ethnicity, and immigration status predicted different patterns of negative effects, indicating that the COVID-19 crisis may have exacerbated some of the structural inequities that had been present in the United States even before the onset of the pandemic.

Authors

• Ayumi Nagase, Sonoma State University

• Yajuan Xiang, Sonoma State University

• Chiara D. Bacigalupa, Sonoma State University