Related Experiment Videos
The effectiveness of early childhood development programs. A systematic review
Laurie M Anderson1, Carolynne Shinn, Mindy T Fullilove
1Division of Prevention Research and Analytic Methods, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Anderson, Shinn, Carande-Kulis), Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. LAA1@cdc.gov
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|April 2, 2003
Summary
Comprehensive early childhood development programs, like Head Start, effectively improve school readiness for disadvantaged children. These programs reduce developmental delays, preventing grade retention and special education placement.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Educational Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early childhood development is multifactorial, influenced by child, family, and environmental factors.
- School readiness relies on physical health, cognition, language, and social-emotional development.
- Comprehensive, center-based early childhood programs serve as vital community resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of publicly funded early childhood development programs.
- To assess the impact of programs like Head Start on closing the readiness gap for low-income children.
- To examine program outcomes in preventing developmental delays.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of program effectiveness in promoting child development.
- Assessment of outcomes such as reduced grade retention and special education placement.
Main Results:
- Evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive early childhood programs.
- Programs contribute to improved school readiness for economically disadvantaged children.
- Significant reductions in developmental delay indicators were observed.
Conclusions:
- Publicly funded, center-based early childhood programs are effective interventions.
- These programs play a crucial role in enhancing child well-being and academic preparedness.
- Programmatic investments can mitigate developmental disparities and improve long-term educational trajectories.