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Innis Lecture: Universal early childhood interventions: what is the evidence base?

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  • Michael Baker

Abstract

Universality is a hallmark of Canadian social policy for very young children. The evidence base for these policies is small, non‐experimental, and offers mixed results. In contrast, the evidence base for targeted early childhood interventions is largely experimental and offers strong guidance. Policy makers and advocates often cite the research on targeted programs in support of universal programs, although this is problematic for a number of reasons. Universal programs require a better understanding of the developmental trajectories of more advantaged children. Evidence from the NLSCY suggests there are some potentially important differences in the association of early and later childhood developmental outcomes by family economic resources. L’universalité est une caractéristique de la politique sociale canadienne pour la petite enfance. Les résultats sur lesquels on peut construire ces politiques sont minces et non‐expérimentaux, et pas toujours cohérents. D’autre part, les résultats pour les interventions ciblées sont largement expérimentaux et fournissent des directions claires. Les définisseurs de politiques ainsi que leurs supporteurs citent souvent les résultats de recherches sur les programmes ciblés pour articuler leur support pour des programmes universels, même si c’est problématique pour diverses raisons. Les programmes universels réclament une meilleure compréhension des trajectoires de développement des enfants plus avantagés. Les résultats de l’Enquête longitudinale nationale sur les enfants et les jeunes suggèrent qu’il y a des différences potentiellement importantes dans le développement des enfants de familles qui ont des ressources économiques différentes.

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  • Michael Baker, 2011. "Innis Lecture: Universal early childhood interventions: what is the evidence base?," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(4), pages 1069-1105, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:canjec:v:44:y:2011:i:4:p:1069-1105
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5982.2011.01668.x
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