The Abecedarian Project demonstrated that young children who receive high-quality early education from infancy to age 5 do better in reading and math and are more likely to stay in school longer, graduate from high school, and attend a four-year college.
Early Childhood Research
From language development to overall health, research consistently finds what happens in a child’s earliest years is most important for healthy development, growth and long-term well-being.
Notable Publications & Projects
Below are some of the most well-respected research studies on early childhood and early brain development, including some of Start Early’s own research and publications.
Longitudinal Research Studies
Read on and learn more about why quality early learning and care helps address the long-standing injustices in our communities and is a proven solution to breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
The Abecedarian Project
HighScope Perry Preschool
By age 40, adults who participated as 3- and 4-year-olds in quality preschool were more likely to have graduated from high school, held a job, made higher earnings, and committed fewer crimes than those who didn’t attend, according to this seminal study.
Early Head Start Research & Evaluation
Children enrolled in Early Head Start performed better on measures of cognition, social and emotional, and language functioning than their peers who were not enrolled, according to this landmark study of the federal Early Head Start program. The study also found that children who participated in Early Head Start (from birth to age 3) and later programs (from age 3 to 5) had the most positive outcomes.
Our Research Work
We conduct research and evaluations to elevate the expertise of early childhood professionals and support better learning environments.
Support Our Work
Together, when we start early, we can close the opportunity gap. With your support, we are getting closer to this reality every day.
What We Do
Our holistic approach ensures that we impact every aspect of early childhood development so children, families and educators can thrive.
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