American Institutes for Research
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a not-for-profit corporation with 75 years of experience in education-related research and development projects. Their researchers in the early childhood practice area perform complex mixed-methods, multiyear studies and have considerable experience conducting research and evaluation projects in California and in Los Angeles in particular. AIR is committed to empowering communities and institutions with innovative solutions to the most critical challenges in education and social services. AIR has an extensive team of researchers and advisors with experience in the design and implementation of large-scale evaluations, including RCTs, on home visitation and other early childhood and family support programs.
AIR’s study team, led by co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Heather Quick, and Project Director Lori Downing, has conducted several large-scale, multi-site data collection efforts in California, including the statewide evaluations of transitional kindergarten and the services and supports for the state’s dual language learners and their families.
Georgetown University
Dr. Deborah F. Perry, Research Professor and Director of Research and Evaluation at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, is co-Principal Investigator for the study. Over the last two decades, she has served as an external evaluator for a broad array of state and federally funded initiatives and conducted many community-based research projects. Her research focuses on developing and testing preventive interventions for vulnerable populations of pregnant women and families with young children. She has specific expertise in: evidence-based home visiting, perinatal depression prevention, and early childhood mental health consultation.
Juárez & Associates
Juárez & Associates (J&A) has 50 years of experience researching, evaluating and tapping the potentials of hard-to-reach populations to build human capacity and democratic participation. They have participated in a wide range of evaluations that address the needs of children ages 0-5, including evaluations on publicly funded pre-k programs and community place-based programs. Their specialized quantitative and qualitative measurement and analytic methods deliver practical solutions that meet the needs of clients and other important stakeholders in the public and private sector. Their staff members are qualified in market and survey research, interview techniques, statistical analysis, economics and management. In addition, J&A staff members are equipped with the language and cross-cultural skills essential to working with the populations their work serves.
First 5 LA
First 5 LA is a leading early childhood advocacy organization created by California voters to invest Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenues. In partnership with others, First 5 LA strengthens families, communities and systems of services and supports so that all children in Los Angeles County enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.
One of First 5 LA’s cornerstone investments is Welcome Baby, a free and voluntary home visiting program that helps expecting mothers and new parents build the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to support their child’s development. First 5 LA is currently funding the Welcome Baby Impact Study as part of their Home Visiting Evaluation Portfolio.
