Shifting Child Care Policy through Rapid Research Methods: COVID-19’s Impact in Nebraska

• In Event: Rapid, Responsive, Relevant Research for Childcare: The Ecology of COVID-19

Abstract

To examine the early and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child care professionals in Nebraska, researchers collaborated with state agency and organization partners to develop and distribute surveys in March and June of 2020. Both surveys were designed to inform and mobilize potential policy and practice interventions. The first online survey was distributed through multiple channels, including local network partners and social media. Intended to quickly assess the concerns and immediate needs of the ECE workforce in the context of a looming pandemic, rapid research methods were employed (Wiley, et al., 2018). Over 1500 providers (1/3 of the state’s licensed providers) responded and reported that they were experiencing high levels of stress, uncertain about their personal and programmatic economic stability, worried about catching and spreading the virus, and seeking reliable information. Partner response to the first survey included new private funding, state policy shifts, and increased resources for providers and families seeking childcare. Government agencies mobilized to shift subsidy reimbursements (for enrollment rather than attendance).
Organizational partners mobilized to develop the first childcare resource and referral platform for the state, leveraging platforms established with PDG B-5 funds.
Regional Early Learning Coordinators distributed the second online survey to their comprehensive list of licensed child care providers. Refined to focus on the perceptions of childcare leadership, the second survey sought to increase understanding of the economic and personal well-being of the childcare businesses and workforce across the state. While providers had access to timely federal and private financial assistance, they were struggling from economic impacts to their business caused by enrollment and income reductions. In fact, over half of the respondents reported that without financial assistance, they would likely close in the context of a continuing pandemic. Providers reported symptoms of emotional and health stress and resilient responding. Responses to survey findings included re-allocation of federal PDG B-5 funds, legislative efforts to support the workforce, and mobilization for provider supports, including economic and mental health resources.
In the year prior to the onset of the pandemic, state agencies and organizations received federal funding that resulted in the development of relationships that were leveraged to mobilize policy and practice shifts to support the child care industry. In the Nebraska context, the virus did not initially impact the state severely and the state government enacted health directives and child care restrictions, rather than closures.
Engagement in R3 research hinged on partnering throughout the process, the production of rapid results, and reporting to private funders and state agencies quickly. Benefits of this engagement were manifest in timely private funding and shifting of public funds to match priorities. Limitations included sampling frame constraints and lack of demographic data. Geographic analyses revealed the likelihood that certain provider voices were not heard, including Tribal and African-American communities. Future research will address these limitations and build on the valuable information shared by providers in the first two surveys. In particular, reaching under-represented populations, refining rapid (R3) methodology, and partnering for optimal impact will be discussed.  

Authors

• Kathleen Cranley Gallagher, University of Nebraska
  Presenting Author

• Alexandra M. Daro, Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  Non-Presenting Author