Child Trends, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, is a research organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families through evidence-based research and evaluation. The organization's comprehensive portfolio encompasses early childhood development, youth services, and family studies, with particular expertise in administrative data analysis and program evaluation.
In 2019, Child Trends launched a significant initiative through A-State Childhood Services focused on understanding and supporting early childhood education (ECE) providers' fiscal health [1]. This systematic initiative engaged diverse stakeholders through several strategic phases:
- Initial Engagement and Leadership Development
- Individual meetings with ECE stakeholders across sectors
- Identification of exemplary leaders demonstrating business sustainability
- Integration of perspectives from various geographic regions and program types
- Research and Assessment
- In-depth analysis of financial and business practice needs
- Documentation of successful program directors' experiences
- Development of professional development recommendations
The organization's research capabilities are strengthened through collaborations with notable contributors including Jennifer Manlove [2], Kelly Maxwell [3], and Kathryn Tout [4].
Child Trends has developed extensive resources for analyzing administrative data in early care and education research, supporting researchers through partnerships with state agencies. Their work encompasses critical focus areas including:
- Research Domains
- Early childhood education and development
- Child welfare and maltreatment prevention
- Youth and young adult development
- Family studies and poverty analysis
- Health outcomes assessment
- Educational programming evaluation
The organization's influence is demonstrated through significant publications and initiatives:
- Major Research Contributions
- Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) validation studies [3]
- Early Head Start program evaluation [10]
- Early childhood developmental screening tools [8]
- Early care education quality improvement typology [9]
Child Trends maintains its position as a leading research institution through strategic initiatives focused on:
- Organizational Excellence
- Development of evidence-based intervention approaches
- Technical assistance program delivery
- Research independence and transparency
- Diversity and inclusion advancement
- Government contracting capabilities
The organization can be reached at: Child Trends 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 235 Rockville, MD 20852 Tel: 240.223.9200