New Early Childhood Research Findings from Child Trends Inc. Outlined (Expanding Access To High-quality Early Care and Education for Families With Low Income In Maryland Through Child Care Subsidy Policies).

A recent study conducted by Child Trends Inc. in Rockville, Maryland, examined the impact of federal and state child care policies on access to high-quality early care and education (ECE) for low- and moderate-income families. The study found that changes in Maryland's child care subsidy program, including increases in household income eligibility levels and provider reimbursement rates, led to a significant increase in the percentage of licensed family child care and center-based providers serving children with a subsidy. The study also found that the proportion of children with a subsidy who used higher-rated ECE increased across all racial/ethnic groups and income eligibility levels. The research highlights the need for further investigation and discussion on the implications for future policy and practice. [Extracted from the article]