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HHS Logo Eagle IconU.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Early Care & Education

Reports

Displaying 1 - 10 of 35. 10 per page. Page 1.

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ASPE Issue Brief

Head Start Operates Within Existing State Child Care Licensing Infrastructure and Includes Established Supports for Alignment and Coordination Between Systems

This brief describes available data on the licensing status of Head Start service locations and child care programs, and outlines existing infrastructure that can support alignment and coordination between Head Start and state licensing systems.
ASPE Issue Brief

Research Does Not Identify an Optimal Teacher-Child Ratio That Improves Child Outcomes, Though More Stringent Ratios May Increase Per Child Spending

This brief reviews the literature on the relationship between teacher-child ratios and child outcomes, then describes how Head Start ratio standards compare with existing state licensing standards. Key findings include:
ASPE Issue Brief

Over the Past 10 Years, Head Start Administrative Spending Remained Relatively Steady and Always Below the 15 Percent Statutory Ceiling

This brief describes the share of spending on administrative expenses in Head Start. Key findings include:
ASPE Issue Brief

From FY16 to FY25, Fewer Head Start Families Received Comprehensive Services and the Percentage of Families Receiving Services Also Declined for Many Categories

This brief examines how Head Start’s comprehensive service delivery changed between the 2015-2016 (FY16) and 2024-2025 (FY25) program years, focused on volume (total number) and rate (percent) of children and families who received comprehensive services. Key findings include:
ASPE Issue Brief

HHS' Historical Approach to Head Start Regulation Following the 2007 Statutory Reauthorization has Increased Costs and Reduced Access, without Substantial Quality Gains

This brief describes HHS' historical approach to Head Start regulation following the 2007 statutory reauthorization. Key findings include:
ASPE Data Point

Increases in Head Start Change in Scope Requests from FY21 to FY24 Have Resulted in the Largest Reduction of Funded Slots in the History of Head Start

KEY POINTS
Research Brief

Head Start Spending Per Slot Varies Widely Across Grants, Driven in Part by Cost of Living and Local Program Design Factors

This brief presents information on Head Start spending per slot across the country.  Key findings include:
Report to Congress

Children's Interagency Coordinating Council (CICC) FY 2024 Report to Congress

Congress has directed HHS to operate the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CICC). The CICC is charged with fostering greater coordination and transparency on child policy across federal agencies and examining a broad array of cross-cutting issues affecting child poverty and child well-being.
ASPE Issue Brief

Federal Alignment with Research-Based Practices on School-Age Development and Well-Being

Childhood development experts recommend specific practices for afterschool and youth development programs to promote well-being and healthy development, including positive relationships; rich learning experiences and knowledge development; environments filled with safety and belonging; the development of skills, habits, and mindsets; and integrated support systems.
ASPE Data Point

Factsheet: Estimates of Child Care Subsidy Eligibility & Receipt for Fiscal Year 2021

Key Points: