Differences in Characteristics Between Head Start Participants and Non-Participants Among Head Start Eligible Families with Young Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study Year-5 wave, 1,983 children were identified as Head Start eligible children (503 Head Start enrolled children, 1,435 Head Start eligible nonparticipant) to address: (1) How do child and family characteristics differ between Head Start participants and non-participants? (2) How do Head Start-eligible non-participant children utilize other types of care (pre-K, other center care, informal care, and exclusive parental care)? Research Findings: The logistic regression results indicate that Head Start-eligible nonparticipants tend to be the first-born child, born to mothers with low educational attainment and unmarried (single, cohabitating) families, living in deep poverty, and to have a higher number of siblings than those who participated in Head Start. A multinomial regression identified differences pertaining to childcare arrangements as it relates to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure. Practice or Policy: Head Start eligible families should be informed eligible early childhood education and care programs and services should be provided to assist parents in the enrollment process. The government should expand more formal childcare programs including Head Start to meet the needs of families in deep poverty, children in the child welfare system, children experiencing homelessness, and those facing various risk factors.