Research-Policy Collaborations to Support Innovative, Equitable, and Effective Child Care

There is an important policy conundrum in the early care and education field: How do we create an equitable, affordable, high-quality childcare system that serves the needs of working parents/caregivers, their children, and the childcare workforce? In the U.S., where the market is largely private, providers must charge prices that are too high for most working parents but too low to sustain quality programming for children and good jobs for childcare providers. Public investment is crucial to resolving this paradox, but the allocation of funds - how, to whom, and for what purposes - also requires careful consideration. This webinar will (1) explore key forces that contribute to this policy paradox and (2) share innovative policy strategies to overcome it. We will share findings from federally funded collaborative projects underway in Illinois, involving university researchers, state policy administrators, and policy practitioners in community-based organizations. The webinar will also be an opportunity to discuss the strengths and challenges of research-policy partnerships aimed at achieving evidence-based, equitable policies that increase access to high-quality, affordable childcare for families with diverse needs and circumstances. *This program is a part of the 21st Century Agenda series in partnership with AASWSW - Transformative Research and Practice in Community Collaboration.
Speakers:
Julia R. Henly, Samuel Deutsch Professor and Deputy Dean for Research and Faculty Development, University of Chicago;
David Alexander, Director of Research, Illinois Action for Children;
Theresa Hawley, Executive Director, Center for Early Learning Funding Equity,;
Sinthu Ramalingam, Senior Policy Advisor, Division of Early Childhood, Illinois Department of Human Services