Head Start programs use early care and education research to support and guide planning efforts. Research demonstrates trends and strategies in the field. It shows that high-quality early learning experiences promote young children's development and parents' ability to facilitate their children's learning. It demonstrates the impact of quality practices on children, families, staff, and programs. Research provides models for successful home-based and family child care program options and supports partnerships between child care and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Explore this collection of research reports for more information:

• A Conceptual Model for Quality in Home-Based Child Care
• The Role of Licensing in Supporting Quality Practices in Early Care and Education
• Professional Development Tools to Improve the Quality of Infant and Toddler Care: A Review of the Literature
• Child Care Subsidies Under the CCDF Program: An Overview of Policy Differences Across States and Territories as of October 1, 2017
• Working Together for Children and Families: Findings from the National Descriptive Study of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships
• Supporting Quality in Home-Based Child Care: Final Brief [PDF, 276KB]
• A Review of the Literature on Home-Based Child Care: Implications for Future Directions, Final
• National Survey of Early Care and Education Summary Briefs

Last Updated: May 12, 2022