Early Childhood Cost Modeling

Early childhood cost models allow stakeholders to understand the true costs of an early childhood system.  Cost estimation analyses take into account a range of factors that affect system costs, including:

Costs of child care at different quality levels and settings
Local cost drivers, such as salaries and operational costs
Characteristics of children participating in the system
Administrative and infrastructure costs
Implementation factors, such as doseage and fidelity to program design

Cost estimation projects also map current funding across a range of programs and domains, including child care, family supports and home visiting programs, and health and mental health care.

For more information about BRC’s work in this area, visit our Program Areas page.

Project Examples

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program Evaluation

The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver is evaluating the Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s activities to strengthen and expand the early childhood sector in Colorado with the support of over…

Colorado Universal Preschool Program Per-Child Rate Formula Development

Colorado HB22-1295 established the Colorado Universal Preschool Program to provide expanded services for the state’s young children. Beginning fall 2023, the program will include access to preschool services for all children in the year preceding kindergarten; preschool for all 3- and 4-year-old children…

Toledo Pre-K Evaluation

Toledo, Ohio is engaged in a multi-year process to provide high-quality preschool to all children in Toledo. Brodsky Research is assisting with the evaluation and data component of…

Colorado Early Investment Model

The Colorado Early Investment Model is the first interactive model to map costs and benefits of a state’s entire early childhood system. The model was commissioned by the…

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