Research Projects

The HCRC is dedicated primarily to advancing knowledge about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of programs, practices, and policies from birth to early adulthood. The key areas of research are focused on the impacts of investments in human capital broadly defined that enhance well-being. It is the intent of the HCRC to conduct and promote useful, high quality research that informs policy changes directed at the improvement of quality, accountability, and accessibility of education and social programs. In addition to conducting our own research and economic analyses on these issues, we also identify, synthesize, and disseminate results of analyses conducted by other researchers on relevant topics.

Major topics include:

• Elements of effective programs
• Cost-benefit analyses of alternative early childhood programs and practices
• Differential effects of timing and duration of intervention
• Pathways of long-term program effects on adult outcomes
• Dissemination of state pre-K programs in the United States
• Links among child health, education, and social outcomes