Given the overwhelming evidence that early childhood development affects later outcomes and that achievement gaps are already substantial by age five, it is puzzling that our society does not invest in early childhood education to at least the same extent as it invests in K-12 education. In Massachusetts, public support for early education is approximately $4,000 per child, while public support for K-12 education is approximately $23,000 per child.
Moreover, there is good reason to expect that without significantly more public financing, the market will continue to provide fewer than the socially optimal number of early education slots, the slots that exist will, on average, be of lower-than-optimal quality, and early education workers will be paid less than they would in a system that delivers optimal care.
This series of working papers authored by Rappaport Institute Director Professor Jeffrey Liebman offers an economic analysis of the early education and child care market in Massachusetts, as well as survey results from Massachusetts mothers that help identify how much child care parents in the Commonwealth actually want. A policy brief outlines recommendations to close these gaps.
Publications
How Much Child Care and Early Education Do Massachusetts Parents Want?
Working Paper (August 2026)
This working paper presents results from a survey of 1,001 mothers in the Commonwealth about their child care preferences. It finds that whereas 53% of Massachusetts children are currently enrolled in formal child care, 89% of mothers would choose formal care if they could afford it.
Closing the Child Care and Early Education Gaps in Massachusetts
Policy Brief (August 2026)
This Policy Brief describes the capacity, quality, and affordability gaps facing the Massachusetts system of early education and care. It then puts forth a proposal for higher wages for early educators, incentives for providers to expand capacity, and additional assistance for families that would narrow the gap.
An Economic Analysis of the Childcare and Early Education Market in Massachusetts
Working Paper (October 2024)
This report shows that, despite overwhelming evidence that early childhood development affects later outcomes, and achievement gaps are already substantial by age five, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends one-fifth the amount per child on early education as it does on K-12 schooling. Due to market failures, without substantial public financing, the market will provide too little early education, and the slots that exist will, on average, be of lower-than-optimal quality.
Video
Harvard professor: To solve the child care crisis, pay educators more
Harvard Kennedy School (August 2026)
Professor Jeffrey Liebman offers a path forward to address our nation's child care challenges—suggesting providing higher pay for teachers, subsidizing start-up costs associated with expanding child care center capacity, and increasing financial assistance for families making a low-income to help them afford care.
In the News
New study from Harvard offers a solution to the child care crisis: Pay workers more
The Boston Globe (August 2026)
The Boston Globe interviews Professor Liebman and reports on the working paper and policy brief, with special focus to the financial burdens of families paying for and seeking child care.
For better early childhood education, says HKS professor, raise teacher pay
Harvard Kennedy School (August 2026)
Research insights from Professor Liebman's working papers and policy brief on early education and child care are summarized and highlighted.
Other Media
No One is Coming to Save Us: Making Child Care Accessible
Podcast (May 2025)
Professor Jeffrey Liebman meets with "No One is Coming to Save Us" host Gloria Riviera to discuss the root causes of the child care crisis in the United States. Listeners from across the country share how this crisis is affecting their lives.