Principal Investigator
Katherine Paschall – Child Trends
Project Description
This study analyzes and disseminates findings using data from the Healthy and Ready to Learn (HRTL) measure, a population-level indicator of developmental well-being for children three to five years old collected through the National Survey of Children’s Health. The research examines variation in children’s developmental outcomes across states and demographic groups, with a particular focus on three-year-olds, an understudied population. Using large-scale survey data linked with state policy and program indicators, the study explores how child, family, and policy factors are associated with early childhood well-being. The project also investigates how HRTL aligns with other measures, such as Kindergarten Readiness Assessments, and develops tools, including dashboards, briefs, and data resources to support policymakers and practitioners in interpreting and using the data to guide decisions and investments.
Research Questions
- How do rates of developmental well-being (“on track” status) vary across time, states, developmental domains, and demographic groups for three- to five-year-old children?
- What child, family, and policy factors are associated with variation in early childhood well-being across states?
- How does the HRTL measure relate to other indicators of school readiness, including Kindergarten Readiness Assessments?
