25 - Translating Research into Policy Flashcards
Social Policy
Set of planned actions to solve a social problem or attain a social goal. If with government, a public policy. Provide info, funding, services, infrastructure
Primary prevention policies
Prevent problems before actually happen (ex. laws to reduce lead in paint)
Secondary prevention policies
Focus on improving lives for at-risk children
Effects of poverty on children
Low birth weight, likelier to die in childhood, emotional and behavioral probs, abuse, neglect, violent crime, drop out
Head Start Program
Services for children like education, health, nutrition, mental health, social services
DHHS studies of head start program
Found that positive effects gained at 4 only had a few statistically significant benefits by the end of 1st grade. Only vocabulary and oral skills. Also parents slightly more likely to be more supportive. However, the research is not unbiased!
Why longer-term benefits of Head Start might not be found
3/4 may be too late for some improvements to take effects. Children likely go to schools and neighborhoods that do not support improvements. Care may not be too adequate
Early Head Start program
Helps infants, toddlers, and parents. Data shows helps child with language dev, emotional understanding, communication. Improvements found as late as 7 years. Parenting also improved
Results of NICHD early child car
Children who are in higher quality care are basically better at everything…social, prosocial, positive, adjustment, less anger
Important components of good child care
Materials, ample staff, balance between structure and free time, low staff turnover.
Policy improvements on childcare
No policy now. Could make more available. Preschool, after school care. Public funding. Provision of information.
