Linking State-Level Subsidy Policies and the Enrollment of CCDF's (Child Care and Development Fund) Priority Populations in Early Childhood Centers

• In Event: Equity and Policy in Education

Abstract

Subsidies through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) support more affordable early care and education (ECE) access for low-income families, and CCDF law prioritizes specific groups of children to promote more equitable access. We identify connections between state-level CCDF policies and the enrollment of children from prioritized populations in ECE centers using nationally representative data. Results suggest the importance of state policies that increase revenue for providers (e.g., tiered reimbursement policy, additional compensation for serving priority populations) as well higher state subsidy reimbursement rates on the enrollment of infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children experiencing homelessness. Results suggest there may be meaningful actions and policies states can implement to incentivize the enrollment of children from prioritized populations.

Authors

• Gerilyn Slicker, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Jason Hustedt, University of Delaware

• Cara L. Kelly, University of Oklahoma