Early (years) reactions: comparative analysis of early childhood policies and programs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the first wave of COVID-19 there was little evidence to guide appropriate child and family programs and policy supports.

Methods

We compared policies and programs implemented to support early child health and well-being during the first wave of COVID-19 in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK, and the USA. Program and policy themes were focused on prenatal care, well-baby visits and immunization schedules, financial supports, domestic violence and housing, childcare supports, child protective services, and food security.

Results

Significant heterogeneity in implementation of OECD-recommended policy responses was found with all of the included countries implementing some of these policies, but no country implementing supports in all o

SUBMITTER: Kearon J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9295085 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature