Archives: Research Findings

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.

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.

Leaders from across sectors will share their research and programs with African American children and parents in early care and education.

In 2021, OPRE issued a brief entitled, Enhancing Rigor, Relevance, and Equity in Research and Evaluation Through Community Engagement, which stated “Community leaders, community members, and researchers increasingly recognize that engaging communities in research and evaluation is critical for implementing effective programs and building trust. Researchers and communities also recognize the value of community-engaged research to improve the rigor and relevance of research and evaluation and better address historical and ongoing systemic inequities. Community-engaged research is more than a project or study; it is a process that requires commitment from researchers and communities to sustain long-term relationships and collaboration.” We will hear from community-engaged researchers and community leaders about the role of research in improving programs and services for African American children and families and ensuring services are equitable through positive outcomes.

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.

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.

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