Published in:
AERA Open
August 26, 2016
Daphna Bassok, University of Virginia
Jenna E. Finch, Stanford University
RaeHyuck Lee, Columbia University
Sean F. Reardon, Stanford University
Jane Waldfogel, Columbia University
Abstract
Using two nationally-representative datasets, this study compares early life
experiences of kindergarteners in 1998 and 2010. We find that young
children in the later period are exposed to more books and reading in the
home, they have more access to educational games on computers, and
they engage with their parents more, both inside and outside the home.
Although these increases occurred among both low and high-income
children, in many cases the biggest changes were seen among the lowestincome
children. Our results indicate a narrowing but still large early
childhood parental investment gaps. In addition, socioeconomic gaps in
preschool participation grew over this period, despite substantial
investments in public preschool. Implications for early socioeconomic
achievement gaps are discussed.
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