Family ecological resources and risks: The moderating role of Early Head Start

This study utilized latent class analysis to identify classes of family ecological resources and risks among low-income families with infants, examine differences in child and parent outcomes two years later, and explore Early Head Start (EHS) program quality and dosage from ages to 1 to 3 years as moderators of these associations. Data from a longitudinal study of families enrolled in EHS, the EHS Child and Family Experiences Study 2009-2012 (n = 527), were utilized to identify four classes: (a) Healthy, (b) Financial and Health Risks, (c) Educated and Supported, and (d) Depressed. There were no differences between the classes in children's outcomes, supportive parenting, or home environments two years later. Families in the Depressed class had higher family conflict and parenting stress. EHS quality did not moderate associations, however, some links between the classes and outcomes varied by dosage (numbers of home visits or days in center care).