Families With Young Children In Springfield, MA.
Abstract
Social research has increasingly shown that resources spent on very young children will have the greatest impact in terms of long-term positive outcomes. As a result of these findings, the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has worked with a coalition of child advocates in Springfield to develop the Cherish Every Child Initiative. The goal of the Cherish Every Child Initiative is to improve the lives of young children in Springfield.
The Cherish Every Child Initiative is interested in identifying parents’ perceptions about the most pressing needs in terms of raising children in Springfield. In order to identify these needs, the Cherish Every Child Initiative contracted with Market Street Research, Inc. to conduct a quantitative study of parents living in Springfield. The main objectives of the study were to:
- Understand the challenges facing families with children in Springfield regarding raising children in the city and the cost of living in the city;
- Assess the health care experiences of young children, including pediatric care, dental care, mental health care, and nutrition;
- Assess families’ experiences regarding childcare for preschool-age children (ages 5 and under), and education and after-school care for young children (ages 6 to 8);
- Assess the role of parent/child activities in families’ lives; and
- Identify sources of information regarding formal resources for parents and young children in Springfield, including people’s interest in formal parenting programs.
This report presents the findings of the needs assessment study conducted among 202 Springfield families with children. To read the report, download the attached PDF
