The Science of Scaling in Early Childhood

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Griffin Applied Economics Incubator was dedicated to advancing the science of scaling evidence-based interventions, with an emphasis on early childhood interventions. Conceptualized and executed by the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health in partnership with the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Incubator supported the translation of ambitious and policy-relevant early childhood research into the realm of real-world, scalable application.

To this end, the Incubator awarded research grants to UChicago faculty and students; compiled and edited an in-depth volume on the science of scaling in early childhood; solicited and edited papers for a special issue of the Journal of Political Economy; hosted a diverse group of world-renowned scholars as Incubator visitors; and hosted more than a dozen convenings ranging from intimate workshops to large conferences.

What is the science of scaling and why was it selected as the focus of the inaugural Incubator? The animated video below and this FAQ document illustrate why it is crucial that researchers and policymakers come together to tackle the challenges and harness the power of scaling.