The Economics of Early Childhood explores how early care and education markets work-and how policy can help (or hurt) them. Through a mix of lecture and hands-on lab, students analyze real-world challenges facing children, families, workers, and providers. Labs are creative and applied: students extend existing research, design surveys and apps, and sketch new causal studies. The course culminates in policy case studies and debate, preparing students to turn ideas into impactful research and policy.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
The Economics of Early Childhood explores how early care and education markets work-and how policy can help (or hurt) them. Through a mix of lecture and hands-on lab, students analyze real-world challenges facing children, families, workers, and providers. Labs are creative and applied: students extend existing research, design surveys and apps, and sketch new causal studies. The course culminates in policy case studies and debate, preparing students to turn ideas into impactful research and policy.
Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.