Early Childhood Education and Care Policies in the U.S. and Their Impact on Family Violence
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Summary
This study reviews research on how early childhood education and care policies, including childcare subsidies, Head Start, and universal pre-K, may help prevent child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV). The review found promising evidence that childcare subsidies and Head Start can reduce family violence or related risk factors, such as poverty and employment instability. Although more research is needed, the findings suggest that expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early education may support family well-being and help prevent violence.
Topics: Intimate Partner Violence and Family Violence, Social Welfare Policy, Public Assistance Policies (TANF, SNAP, and EITC)
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Abstract
The current study sought to understand existing literature regarding the relationship between early childhood education and care policies in the U.S. (i.e., childcare subsidies, Head Start, and universal pre-k) and family violence (i.e., child maltreatment and IPV). We examined articles that assessed either of these two family violence outcomes or their related risk factors, including food insecurity, employment, poverty, and parental mental health issues. We conducted a rapid review of literature from the following academic databases: Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and JSTOR. We examined peer-reviewed journal articles that were published in English between the years of 1996 to 2021. Few studies have investigated the associations between early childhood education and care policies and family violence outcomes. However, of those studies that have examined associations between early childhood education and care policies and family violence outcomes, there is promising evidence to support these policies as a violence prevention strategy.