A recent study found that children from low-income families have roughly $80,000 less invested in their development, well-being, and education relative to their peers from high-income households. The research, which examined ‘childhood human capital investments,’ considered various resources that help children thrive and develop, including formal schooling, informal education, nutrition, health care, and housing.

Investments in Children

The study, led by Professor David Blazar at the University of Maryland, relied on recent national surveys and put every item on a common dollar scale, including things that are not paid for, like parental time helping with homework or going to the library. The researchers found that the typical child received about half a million dollars’ worth of investment in their development through childhood.

However, the disparities were significant, with children from low-income households having $80,000 less invested in their development. There were also racial gaps, with Hispanic children having $73,000 less investment and black children having $55,000 less investment compared to white children.

The study highlighted the importance of considering investments in children as a bundle, including both formal schooling and informal education, as well as nutrition, health care, and housing. The researchers noted that while formal education investments are relatively equal, there are significant disparities in other areas, such as housing, nutrition, and health care.

The study’s findings have implications for policymakers and educators seeking to address the disparities in educational outcomes. By recognizing the broad array of factors that shape children’s academic success, policymakers can work to create more equitable opportunities for all children to thrive.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.