Loading...
In the U.S., about 2.3 million children younger than 5 are enrolled in day care centers, 4.8 million are cared for by a relative or a nanny, and 3.3 million are cared for by their parents. To examine the effects of early child care on children’s later cognitive and social functioning, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Early Child Care Research Network sponsored a prospective follow-up study of 1364 children in 10 cities from birth through the 6th grade. Quality, quantity, and type of child care were assessed at ages 6, 15, 24, 36, and 54 months. Academic achievement and behavior were assessed from age 4.5 years through the 6th grade. Quality of child care and parenting was assessed using observational measures.
Hig…