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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