Factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and disability, can lead to significant gaps in learning outcomes. To address this, research around disparities in education and learning must occur. A primary mission of FPG is to generate knowledge to establish programs that produce positive outcomes for children and their families, and use that knowledge to prepare caregivers and teachers to provide the best possible learning environments for promoting development and success. As such, FPG is dedicated to investigating and addressing disparities in education and learning and establishing programs to positively impact academic achievement. The research, evaluation, and interventions developed within FPG serve learners and teachers throughout our state, across the country, and around the world.
Featured Publication
A recent study examined equitable access and experiences in Head Start programs by race and language status, revealing systematic disparities: Black children experienced lower classroom quality across all measured domains despite more positive pedagogical exposure, while Latine children faced significant teacher-child racial mismatches and more punitive discipline approaches but benefited from stronger program-level supports. Both racial groups had limited access to special education services. Dual-language learners experienced more positive learning practices and stronger teacher-family alignment despite significantly lower teacher-child racial and language matching rates. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of educational equity and suggest the need for differentiated approaches to promoting equity across diverse populations. Our results underscore the importance of disaggregating quality data by race and language status to identify and address specific equity gaps in early childhood education.
Featured Media Coverage
As children enter the world, research says the level of support babies, mothers, and families receive makes a lasting impact on children’s health and well-being. “Early Connections: Building Bridges for Brighter Futures,” was hosted by the Equity Research Action Coalition at UNC’s Frank Porter Graham (FPG) Child Development Institute, along with several partners, including the state Division of Child Development and Early Education and UNC’s Department of Maternal and Child Health. It convened leaders across policy, philanthropy, research, advocacy, and practice with the goal of creating new partnerships that better serve young children and families. Iheoma Iruka, director of the Equity Research Action Coalition, planned the event to bring together individuals and agencies that are not often in conversation yet serve the same communities, including experts on early care and education and infant and maternal health.
