Reducing Disparities: An Equity-Focused Research Agenda to Improve Children’s Well-Being

Research reveals that the earliest years of life are a critical period of human development. Early relationships and experiences have a strong influence on brain development and future health and well-being. Young children’s foundational relationships and experiences take place in the context of families and communities. Yet, low-income families—especially families of color and rural families—often do not have access to the basic necessities and resources for fostering the nurturing experiences and stimulating environments that young children need to thrive. Furthermore, policy and program silos can impede cross-functional solutions and service delivery, which are designed to holistically address the needs of children and families.

On October 10, 2018, from 3:00–4:30 p.m. (ET), Mathematica Policy Research and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) hosted a panel discussion about building an equity-focused research agenda to inform evidence-based policies that support children’s well-being through access to early care and education, nutrition and food assistance, and income supports. Our panel of experts discussed disparities in program access and participation; innovations with the potential to reduce disparities; and a research agenda to support implementing, scaling, and financing strategies that promote children’s well-being.

Our expert panel included:

• Olga Khazan, The Atlantic (moderator)
• Claire Gibbons, RWJF
• Michael Laracy, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Hannah Matthews, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
• Alexandra Cawthorne, National Governors Association (NGA)
• Diane Paulsell, Mathematica Policy Research

This event took place at Mathematica’s Washington, DC, office (1100 First Street, NE). Following the event, in-person attendees were invited to join us for a networking reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. For more information, email events@mathematica-mpr.com.