Parenting

Steps to Sustainability: Fundamental Reforms to Our Systems of Child Care and Early-Learning Programs

Our Broken Child Care System and How to Fix It, Part 3: The final segment of this series examines how the many systems that make up U.S. child care are failing. Fixes that are both sweeping enough and realistic aren’t obvious, so Dr. Laura Justice turns to three experts to weigh in.

Rebuilding the Early Child Care and Education System

Our country’s early care and education system was fractured and in crisis, even before COVID-19. The abrupt closure of many child care centers, new requirements upon opening, and challenges facing families make it even more pressing that our “rebuilding” efforts work toward a more sustainable and equitable child care system.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: Neighborhood affect on parenting by Dr. Jaclyn Dynia

Do neighborhood affect parenting practices? Most of the literature around how neighborhoods influence parenting looks at families with older children; a new Crane study studied this influence for families with infants. In our highlights of this research, we also share a possible action step based on the findings.

Interactive read alouds: tips for parents and caregivers for enriching reading experiences at home

Many parents and caregivers find themselves at home with young children while schools and child care centers are closed. Reading aloud is one of the most significant activities for developing literacy that also creates a sense of connection and safety in what may be a difficult time. Read on for research-backed tips to help make the most of these shared experiences.

Before Coronavirus, the U.S. Child Care Landscape Was Already in Crisis

In this three-part series, Dr. Laura Justice — executive director of the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy and Schoenbaum Family Center at The Ohio State University — surveys the fragmented landscape of child care in the United States, highlighting its vulnerabilities even in the best of times.

Screen-Free Routines: 3 Times a Day to Limit Media in Your Child’s Life

The headlines around kids and screen time can be downright scary. One message that most experts will agree on is that moderation is key. If it seems daunting to set limits on something as pervasive as digital media, it’s helpful to remember three basic times when it’s important to do so: mealtime, playtime, and bedtime.

5 Tips for Using Media with Your Child

On average, children under 8 spend over 2 hours a day with screen media. Many parents are concerned about their children’s screen time. Research can provide guidance for using media in positive ways, one important takeaways is that children learn more from media when adults are involved and help them understand the material they are encountering.

Sit Together and Read (STAR)

STAR Read-Aloud Practices are designed to develop and strengthen young children’s awareness of and knowledge about print. They utilize evidence-based reading techniques developed from years of research.