The Racial Disparity of Access to Early Childhood Education and Care by Geographical Locations among Children in Poverty

Abstract

This study examined racial disparities in access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) by geographic location among Head Start–eligible low-income children, using Head Start Impact Study Data. Children living in urban (n = 3,172) were compared with those in rural areas (n = 608) for access to types and quality of care, including Head Start (both high and low quality), center-based care, home-based care, and parental care. Rural and Hispanic children had less access to center-based care, relying more on informal or parental care. Although African American children were more likely to enroll in center-based care, those in urban areas had less access to high-quality Head Start compared with white children in urban areas. These findings highlight significant barriers related to race and geography that must be addressed to ensure equitable access to high-quality ECEC for all children in poverty.