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Vulnerable Infants and Toddlers in Four Service Systems (PDF)
By Elizabeth Harbinson, Jennifer Macomber, Joanna Parnes
Children in Their Early Years Brief, 1; September 2007

Summary: This brief compiles data on the characteristics of young children served by four key service systems for vulnerable families: Early Head Start; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the child welfare system; and the Part C Early Intervention Program. Data are compiled on several dimensions: age, race/ethnicity, parental income, parental education, parental employment, receipt of public benefits, family structure, child health, and home environment. The children and families in these systems look fairly similar on several dimensions. Many of these families experience various vulnerabilities, like poverty, single parenthood, or minimal formal education. It is also notable that significant numbers of parents of these very young children work. Where differences are observed, as with the part C program, they are not unexpected given the eligibility criteria of the service system. These four service systems are represented by three different Federal departments. Yet despite different funding streams, administrative oversight, and purposes, they serve similarly vulnerable clients. The ultimate goals of these service systems are fairly congruent; they aspire to promote the healthy development of young children while at the same time encouraging nurturing family relationships. Contains 27 references.

Index Terms: Child Welfare, Demographics, Family Centered Child Care, Infant Toddler Child Care, Early Childhood Intervention, Low Income Families, Young Children, Early Head Start (EHS), Part C, Women Infants And Children Supplemental Food Program (WIC)

Publisher: Urban Institute

Publication Type: Reports (Descriptive)

Pages: 10 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411554_four_service_system.pdf

Availability
Urban Institute
2100 M Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20037
202-833-7200
http://www.urban.org/

 
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