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Background <p>Rigorous evaluations of Early Head Start (EHS) find positive impacts for parents and children. However, less is known about different service models (center-based, home visiting, or both) and how access varies by program availability and family needs.</p> Objective <p>This study provides a national view on how EHS education services for low-income families (birth to 3&#xa0;years) differ based upon the service types available and child and family characteristics.</p> Methods <p>Using nationally representative data on EHS families in 2018 (<i>N</i> = 2,350), we conducted regression analyses to understand associations between child, family and program characteristics and the likelihood of families having access to and enrolling in different service types.</p> Results <p>We found that 66% of EHS program sites offered both services, with larger programs and sites reporting more positive organizational climates being likely to offer both. Programs that partnered with other centers were more likely to offer center only services. Findings suggest that child race/ethnicity, parent education, work status, and single parent status were related to the types of programs offered, as well as the type of program families enrolled in.</p> Conclusions <p>Early education programs, such as EHS, can continue to assess the processes used to determine family service needs.&#xa0;EHS grantees and the federal Office of Head Start can use this information to consider guidance and resources for how to meet specific family needs and increase availability of services tailored to the needs of communities.</p>

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A National Look at Early Head Start Services Available to and Experienced by Families and Children

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月17日

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  • Kyle DeMeo Cook,
  • Caitlin Lombardi,
  • Delaina Carlson

摘要

Background

Rigorous evaluations of Early Head Start (EHS) find positive impacts for parents and children. However, less is known about different service models (center-based, home visiting, or both) and how access varies by program availability and family needs.

Objective

This study provides a national view on how EHS education services for low-income families (birth to 3 years) differ based upon the service types available and child and family characteristics.

Methods

Using nationally representative data on EHS families in 2018 (N = 2,350), we conducted regression analyses to understand associations between child, family and program characteristics and the likelihood of families having access to and enrolling in different service types.

Results

We found that 66% of EHS program sites offered both services, with larger programs and sites reporting more positive organizational climates being likely to offer both. Programs that partnered with other centers were more likely to offer center only services. Findings suggest that child race/ethnicity, parent education, work status, and single parent status were related to the types of programs offered, as well as the type of program families enrolled in.

Conclusions

Early education programs, such as EHS, can continue to assess the processes used to determine family service needs. EHS grantees and the federal Office of Head Start can use this information to consider guidance and resources for how to meet specific family needs and increase availability of services tailored to the needs of communities.