Authors
A passion for encouraging investments in kids
In a companion article and videos featuring Economist Rob Grunewald, learn about the history and impact of the Minneapolis Fed’s work in early childhood development.
Read moreMore than 15 years ago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis published Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return by then-Director of Research Art Rolnick and Economist Rob Grunewald. The paper placed a spotlight on the economic return from investing in young children and families. Since its publication, advocates, policymakers, and philanthropists have used the paper, along with newer evidence, to make a case for increased investments in young children. Many communities have increased their resources devoted to home visiting, early learning, and health programs. Despite this progress, millions of families lack access to critical resources, such as a high-quality learning environment, for their children.
On October 23–24, 2018, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners gathered at the Minneapolis Fed for the Innovation in Early Childhood Development and K-12 Education Conference. Presenters applied research to pressing policy and practice questions. The articles linked below highlight key topics and takeaways about early childhood issues featured on the first day of the conference.
Measuring and addressing disparities in early executive function skills
Disparities in executive function skills by socioeconomic status are observed by the time children reach age two
Engaging parents with their children’s development
Making the science of brain development tangible and applicable to daily life can help parents support their children’s development
Getting specific about what works in early learning classrooms
Child-involved, teacher-assisted activities and a curriculum that structures time and engages children are key features of effective classroom instruction
Differentiating between price and cost in the poorly functioning child care market
High-quality child care often costs more than families can afford, but well-designed public funding and policies can bridge the gap and ensure adequate supply
With solid evidence on ROI, the big question is how to invest
Strong evidence on the ROI for early childhood development compels increased public investment, even as researchers continue to hone in on the key components of quality
