Weinberg College faculty outline ways that improving children’s lives supports the nation

Even before COVID, childcare was a challenge, but the pandemic’s swift economic plunge has only made it worse.

However, two Weinberg College faculty members are working to improve childcare, narrow childhood disparities, and improve the overall wellbeing of America’s children, especially its poorest.

Professor Joseph Ferrie, of the Department of Economics, has found that attending preschool has positive impacts on children. The research showed that “Lanham preschools” boosted high school academic outcomes for men, though not for women. Still, the study points to the possible positive impacts of policies to expand funding for early childhood programs, including those that offer universal access.

Similarly, Professor Matthias Doepke, of the Department of Economics, says the U.S. faces extraordinary challenges around childcare right now.

Doepke studies family economics. His research has found that because schools and daycare centers closed early in the pandemic, many women were forced to leave their jobs to care for their children. While labor participation has improved since 2020, smaller childcare providers did not survive the pandemic recession, and wages for childcare workers are still relatively low.

“Beyond the changes brought about by the pandemic, there are long-term structural issues, such as the high cost of childcare, that often makes high-quality care unaffordable for the families that need it most,” Doepke said.

He added he is glad to see the introduction of policies such as universal preschool and financial support for families to help with childcare expenses. Flexible employment, such as work-from-home options for mothers and fathers, can also ease the burden of childcare for working parents.

Read more in the Institute for Policy Research.