Research 

Three presentations will be shared within this NAACFRC 2024 CER Conference: CER Pathways to Equitable Programs and Policies program session: 1) Studying an Equity-Focused Universal Preschool Program: Lessons from a Research Partnership 2) Exploring the Experiences of Black, Low-Income Parents’ Access to Quality Early Childhood Education 3) Infusing child development science into the ministry activities of clergy in predominantly Black congregations

The goal of the Safe First Steps program is to share information with early childhood providers, schools, and families about the strategies that can be implemented to reduce re-traumatization and promote recovery for individuals dealing with intergenerational trauma and exposure to adverse childhood experiences.

A collaborative father engagement. Power of Fathers (PoF) was designed to improve the life circumstances of fathers by addressing individual, organizational, and systemic barriers in order to support father engagement and ultimately, impact outcomes for their children.

Concurrent Session C | Early Care: An Exploration of Linkages Between Employment, Wages, and Child Care Access for Black Families to Inform Child Care Policy

Vast evidence points to the importance of early education for children’s school and life success. Furthermore, much of the short- and long-term social, health, and economic benefits of early childhood education are primarily based on studies that mainly included Black children. Unfortunately, studies show that Black children are less likely to access Early Head Start and Head Start and experience high-quality learning environments. The outcomes of participation in Early Head Start and Head Start are mixed and uneven. However, these findings must be placed in context through a holistic lens that recognizes the pernicious impact of systemic racism. This presentation uncovers those disparities and suggest ways to create systems and programs that leverage the cultural assets of Black children, families, and communities while mitigating against systemic racism, inequities and biases.

Concurrent Session A: Authentic Collaboration: Public Benefits, Participatory Research And Advocacy.

When we say families, do we include fathers? The need for integration, Inclusion, and Innovation.

Future research, practice, and policy recommendations to strengthen and support African-American children and families through TANF/Poverty Alleviation, Early Childhood Education, and Childcare programs were shared during an engaging panel session. Other presenters include community-based participatory or community-engaged scholars focused on research in the areas of TANF/Poverty Alleviation, Early Childhood Education, Childcare, and Fatherhood with African-American children and families.

NAACFRC pilot project program grantees, who are leaders in community-based organizations in diverse sectors, will share their fatherhood research, including perspectives of fathers in early care and education and health and human services.

Community leaders from diverse sectors will discuss the use of data and research to inform human services and ways to reduce the gaps between current human service practices and goals for better quality services and positive outcomes.