Family income trajectories and early child development: A latent class growth analysis

Abstract

Family income strongly influences child development. However, the impact of income trajectories on developmental outcomes is unclear. Using nationally representative data of children in poor and moderate income families and three relevant theoretical frameworks, the present study (a) empirically classified family income from 2001 to 2007 and (b) evaluated associations between derived income trajectories and kindergarten outcomes. Results identified four distinct family income trajectory profiles: stable adequate, low to adequate, stable low, and adequate to low. Most children were classified in the stable low trajectory (67%). Multiple regression results suggested children in the stable low trajectory demonstrated poorer kindergarten outcomes than children in more advantaged trajectories, and children who experience economic disadvantage early with later income growth display poorer reading outcomes than children who were economically advantaged initially and experience later income decline. Findings are discussed in the context of current dialogue about the nature of family poverty over time.