The New York City Longitudinal Study of Young Children’s Health and Development (Early Childhood Poverty Tracker) is a study of New York City parents with young children. Realized in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the study tracks the conditions that lead to a better quality of life for families with children. The study, supported by Robin Hood and conducted in collaboration with the Center on Poverty and Social Policy, focuses on the critical early years of child development, beginning when children are 0-3 years old.
Study participants were recruited after they completed the Department of Health's NYC Kids survey, a large-scale survey of parents in New York City. The study team is following up with periodic surveys about key childhood conditions and transitions, such as child care and early schooling. Also included are experiences such as household disruptions, health problems, job loss, and material hardship, which can challenge families and impact children. Researchers will consider how parents reach out to family, community, and public/private resources to deal with these challenges.
Research questions include:
- How families make decisions about child care
- How parents of young children juggle work, family, and other commitments
- How parents handle health challenges - both their own and their children's
- How public and private social services help out, and what other services might be needed to help families with children get through hard times
- What resources help young children stay healthy and make a successful transition to school