Program Effectiveness
Journal Article
A Cost Analysis of Part-C Early Intervention Services in New Jersey
Journal of Early Intervention
Date
February 22, 2018
By Tarr, J. & Barnett, W. S. (2001)
This study estimates the cost of early intervention services in New Jersey and investigates sources of variations in cost. Data were obtained statewide from a cost survey and a daily activity log that service providers completed. Variables affecting cost were the types of staff providing services, time allocations of providers, services setting and type, wage rates, and staff-child ratio. Wide variation in cost and seemingly high absenteeism leading to less than full employment of personnel suggest opportunities for increased efficiency. A fee-for-service system is one alternative to the present system of grant awards that might increase incentives for efficiency. In changing the incentive structure, care must be taken that service quality is not unintentionally compromised.
The Authors
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.