Effective Learning Experiences in Preschool
Quality in early childhood programs has been a longstanding priority in policy and practice. Identifying the contribution of specific elements of high quality or effective learning experiences (ELE) is critical in scaling effective programs to population levels. This Brief summarizes preschool findings for five ELEs in the Midwest Child-Parent Center (CPC) Expansion Project: (1) full-day preschool, (2) small classes (17 or fewer children), (3) balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated instruction, (4) a high percentage of instructional time in core domains, and (5) an engaging classroom environment.
New Phase of Chicago Longitudinal Study
HCRC researchers are partnering with Northwestern University on a new phase of the seminal Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS). Since 1985, the CLS has tracked the development of a group of 1,539 individuals who grew up in urban poverty. Intervention group members attended the Child-Parent Centers (CPC) beginning in preschool and continued participation through 2nd or 3rd grade. The new phase of CLS research, which began in spring 2017, further examines the connection between CPC participation, educational attainment, and physical and mental health outcomes at age 37-39.
Upcoming Brown Bags
Unless otherwise noted, brown bags are at noon in Room 215 at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
April 17: Future Health Correlates of Stability and Change in Youth Survival Perceptions
Naomi N. Duke, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota
In national studies, some youth report they do not believe they will live into adulthood. Belief in risk for dying early is found more often among youth of color and youth living in poverty. Low perceptions of survival may become a self-fulling prophecy as youth give up on self-care and investment in the future. Using data from all available waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health, Waves I-IV), work presented will address two questions: (1) What factors in a young person’s social environment, including household economics and resources, experiences of adversity, and school and neighborhood qualities relate to survival beliefs over time, and (2) What is the relationship between youth survival beliefs and measures of health in adulthood? The long-term goal of this work is to collaborate with youth advocates and community partners for the development of culturally relevant and community-guided interventions focused on youth envisioning healthy futures.
May 1: Minnesota’s Early Childhood Programs
Jody Hauer, Ellen Dehmer, and Will Harrison, Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of Minnesota
May 1 Brown bag to be held at Room 180 Humphrey School of Public Affairs