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Quality Matters

Barriers to high-quality ece, steps to improve quality ece, recommendations for pediatricians, recommendations for community-level actions, recommendations for national- and state-level actions, lead author, council on early childhood executive committee, 2015–2016, quality early education and child care from birth to kindergarten.

POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.

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Elaine A. Donoghue , COUNCIL ON EARLY CHILDHOOD , Dina Lieser , Beth DelConte , Elaine Donoghue , Marian Earls , Danette Glassy , Alan Mendelsohn , Terri McFadden , Seth Scholer , Jennifer Takagishi , Douglas Vanderbilt , P. Gail Williams; Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten. Pediatrics August 2017; 140 (2): e20171488. 10.1542/peds.2017-1488

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High-quality early education and child care for young children improves physical and cognitive outcomes for the children and can result in enhanced school readiness. Preschool education can be viewed as an investment (especially for at-risk children), and studies show a positive return on that investment. Barriers to high-quality early childhood education include inadequate funding and staff education as well as variable regulation and enforcement. Steps that have been taken to improve the quality of early education and child care include creating multidisciplinary, evidence-based child care practice standards; establishing state quality rating and improvement systems; improving federal and state regulations; providing child care health consultation; as well as initiating other innovative partnerships. Pediatricians have a role in promoting quality early education and child care for all children not only in the medical home but also at the community, state, and national levels.

Children’s early experiences are all educational, whether they are at home, with extended family and friends, or in early education and child care settings. Those educational experiences can be positive or negative. At present, more than half of children less than 5 years old regularly attend some type of out-of-home child care or early childhood program, 1 and their experiences in these settings will affect their future lives. 1 The arrangements families make for their children can vary dramatically, including care by parents and relatives, center-based child care, family child care provided in a caregiver’s home, care provided in a child’s own home by nannies or baby-sitters, or a combination of these types of care. 1 , – 3 How a family chooses this care is influenced by family values, affordability, and availability. 2 , 4 For many families, high-quality child care is not available or affordable. 2 , 4 This policy statement outlines the importance of quality child care and what pediatricians can do to help children get care in high-quality early childhood education (ECE) settings.

When care is consistent, developmentally appropriate, and emotionally supportive, and the environment is healthy and safe, there is a positive effect on children and their families. 5 , – 14 Children who are exposed to poor-quality environments (whether at home or outside the home) are more likely to have unmet socioemotional needs and be less prepared for school demands. 5 , – 14 Behavioral problems in ECE can lead to preschool expulsion with cascading negative consequences. Each year, 5000 children are expelled from ECE settings, which is a rate 3 times higher than that of their school-aged counterparts. 15 When behavioral health consultation is available to preschool teachers, the rate of reported expulsions is half that of the control population. 15 , 16  

Early education does not exist in a silo; learning begins at birth and occurs in all environments. Early brain and child development research unequivocally demonstrates that human development is powerfully affected by contextual surroundings and experiences. 17 , – 19 A child’s day-to-day experiences affect the structural and functional development of his or her brain, including his or her intelligence and personality. 17 , – 19 Children begin to learn to regulate their emotions, solve problems, express their feelings, and organize their experiences at an early age and then use those skills when they arrive at school. 19 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recognized the importance of early brain and child development by making it a strategic priority.

Research of high-quality, intensive ECE programs for low-income children confirm lasting positive effects such as improved cognitive and social abilities (including better math and language skills than control groups). 5 , – 14 The indicators of high-quality ECE have been studied and are summarized in Table 1 .

Domains of Health and Safety Quality in ECE

Adapted from Stepping Stones 20  

There are different staff-to-child ratios for small-family homes, large-family homes, and centers. Ratios are also based on the ages of the children. Specific staff-to-child ratios are described in standard (1.1.1.2). 21  

Many families have no quality child care options in their immediate communities. 2 The positive effects from high-quality programs and the negative effects from poor-quality programs are magnified in children from disadvantaged situations or with special needs, and yet, these children are least likely to have access to quality early education and child care. 2 , 4 , 22 , 23 Barriers to high-quality ECE include inadequate funding and staff education as well as inconsistent regulation and enforcement. 15 Funding on the federal, state, and local levels (even when combined with parental fees) often does not provide adequate financial support to ensure proper training, reasonable compensation, or career advancement opportunities for the early education workforce. 2 , – 4 , 22 , – 25 Adequate compensation of early education providers promotes quality by recruiting and retaining trained staff and their directors. Young children, especially infants and toddlers, need stable, positive relationships with their caregivers to thrive, and staff retention helps maintain those strong relationships. 19 Budget restrictions also limit the number of children who can be served. 22 As of 2012, 23 states had wait lists for their child care subsidy programs, and many areas have wait lists for Head Start programs. 4 Finally, budget restrictions may limit a program’s ability to hire child care health consultants. ECE settings rarely have health professionals like school nurses despite the fact that the children served are younger, less able to express their symptoms, and are prone to more frequent infectious illnesses. 26 Some states require child care health consultants to visit infant and toddler programs regularly.

State regulations of ECE programs vary dramatically because of an absence of national regulation, and this contributes to variation in ECE quality. Family child care settings have different regulations than center-based care, and some forms of child care are exempt from regulation. 23 , 25 , 27 The variability in regulation, staff screening, staff training, and the availability of supports such as child care health consultation contribute to a wide variation in quality. Even when regulations are present, enforcement varies, and only 44 states conduct annual health and safety inspections. 23 , 25  

The definition of quality in ECE is becoming more evidence based as newer, validated measures become available. State licensing standards have been the traditional benchmarks, but they set a minimum standard that is typically considerably less than the recommendations of health and safety experts. 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 27 , 28 National organizations including the AAP, the American Public Health Association, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children have developed standards and voluntary systems of accreditation that are often more robust than state licensing regulations. The publication Caring for Our Children, Third Edition 21 includes evidence-based practice standards for nutrition, safety, hygiene, staff-to-child ratios, and numerous other subjects that have been shown to improve the quality of child care. 29 , 30  

The quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) is a method of quality improvement that is being implemented in >75% of states. 25 QRISs use research-based, measurable standards to define quality levels, which are often denoted by a star rating system. QRISs often use incentives (such as staff scholarships, tiered reimbursement for child care subsidies, and technical assistance and/or professional development) as strategies to improve ECE quality. Unfortunately, the QRIS does not always include key health and safety standards. Those who are responsible for implementing QRISs would benefit from input from pediatricians, who are familiar with health issues and with the challenges of translating research into practice. Child care resource and referral agencies are available nationwide, and they serve as regional resources for information about quality child care. They often also serve as a resource for QRIS implementation; however, most child care resource and referral agencies do not have adequate funding to hire early childhood health consultants as part of that technical assistance.

Improving access to child care health consultation is another way to positively affect the health and safety of children in ECE. Child care health consultants are health professionals who are trained to provide technical assistance and develop policies about health issues, such as medication administration, infection control, immunization, and injury prevention. 31 Child care health consultants also can provide developmental, hearing, oral health, and vision screenings and provide assistance with integrating children with special health care needs into ECE settings. 29 , 32 , 33  

The opportunities to use ECE programs to teach healthy habits (including healthy food choices, increased physical activity, and oral health practices) should not be overlooked. These messages can then be shared with families. Health screening services (such as vision and dental testing) also can be provided.

Innovative strategies to promote access to quality care and education also include state initiatives to promote cross-disciplinary teams (such as Early Childhood Advisory Councils), public-private funding partnerships, and universal preschool programs.

Ask families what child care arrangements they have made for their children, and educate them about the importance of high-quality child care. Resources include brochures (listed in Resources); checklists of quality, which can be accessed at www.aap.org/healthychildcare ; and referrals to local child care resources and referral agencies, which can be found at www.childcareaware.org .

Become educated about high-quality child care through the resources on the Healthy Child Care America Web site ( www.healthychildcare.org ), in Caring for Our Children , 21 and others (see Resources).

Be a medical home by participating in the 3-way collaboration with families and ECE professionals. The medical home concept of comprehensive, coordinated care is particularly critical for children with special health care needs. Three-way communication among the pediatricians, families, and ECEs can facilitate shared knowledge of the unique child care needs of children with special needs and foster implementation of child care policies and practices to meet those needs. 32 , 33 These activities are likely to improve access to ECE for these patients. Detailed care plans written in lay language assist in this collaboration. Medical team-based or time-based coding and billing may provide support for these efforts.

Advise families and early educators when children are having behavioral problems in ECE and are at risk for expulsion. Explain the triggers for behavior problems and recommend behavioral health resources as needed. 16 Some states have behavioral health resources available for young children through an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program. Read the AAP policy statement and technical report on toxic stress 19 and learn about the resources that are available through each state’s early care and education system.

Discuss the importance of guidelines on safe sleep, immunization, safe medication administration, infection control, healthy diet and physical activity, oral health, medical home access, and other health topics with local child care centers. Share resources such as Caring for Our Children , 21   Bright Futures , and the Healthy Child Care Web site ( www.healthychildcare.org ).

Become a child care health consultant or support your local child care health consultant nurses. Consider conducting a health and safety assessment in a local child care program by using a national health and safety checklist ( www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org ).

Educate policy makers about the science that supports the benefits of quality early child care and education and, conversely, the lost opportunities and setbacks that result from poor-quality care. 15 , 24  

Close the gaps between state regulations and the quality standards outlined in Caring for Our Children by encouraging strong state regulation and enforcement. Each AAP chapter has a legislative group that can help target these public policy makers with visits and letters. Nearly every AAP chapter also has an Early Childhood Champion, a pediatrician who is familiar with the early education and child care needs in that chapter and has knowledge about local resources to assist your efforts. Find your Early Childhood Champion at www.aap.org/coec .

Support a QRIS in your state if one is being implemented, and encourage robust child health and safety standards based on Caring for Our Children .

Advocate for improved funding for child care health consultation.

Encourage training of ECE professionals on health and safety topics, such as medication administration and safe sleep practices for infants. Consider providing training that uses the Healthy Futures curriculum provided on the Healthy Child Care Web site ( www.healthychildcare.org ).

Advocate and encourage expanded access to high-quality ECE through funding, such as expanded Child Care Developmental Block grants or Head Start funding. Reach out to legislators on the national and state levels to make the case for investing in quality early education as a good business, education, and social investment that has shown a strong return on investment. Encourage pediatric representation on state Early Childhood Advisory Councils or similar state groups to make the case to state officials personally.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Choosing Child Care: What’s Best for Your Family [Pamphlet]. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2002. Available through the AAP publications department: 800/433-9016 or at www.aap.org

American Academy of Pediatrics. The Pediatrician’s Role in Promoting Health and Safety in Child Care. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2001. Available at: www.healthychildcare.org

Child Care Aware, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Is this the right place for my child? 38 research-based indicators of quality child care. Available at: http://childcareaware.org/resources/printable-materials/

Child Care Aware, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Quality child care matters for infants and toddlers. Available at: http://childcareaware.org/families/choosing-quality-child-care

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, local referral agencies that can assist families in finding quality, affordable programs. Available at: http://childcareaware.org/families/choosing-quality-child-care/selecting-a-child-care-program/

Head Start. Early childhood learning and knowledge center. Available at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/health

Healthy Child Care America. Federally funded and housed at the AAP, this Web site has many resources for health and ECE professionals. Available at: www.healthychildcare.org

National Association for the Education of Young Children. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. 3rd ed. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); 2009. Available at: www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSDAP.pdf

National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Available at: www.nrckids.org

Zero to Three. Early Experiences Matter Policy Guide. Washington, DC: Zero to Three; 2009. Available at: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/119-early-experiences-matter-policy-guide

Zero to Three. Matching Your Infant’s and Toddler’s Style to the Right Child Care Setting. Washington, DC: Zero to Three; 2001. Available at: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/86-matching-your-infant-s-or-toddler-s-style-to-the-right-child-care-setting

American Academy of Pediatrics

early childhood education

quality rating and improvement system

Dr Donoghue updated the previous policy statement and revised that original document by adding references, updating the wording, and adding new sections based on updates from the field. The document went through several layers of review, and Dr Donoghue was responsible for responding to those comments.

This document is copyrighted and is property of the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Board of Directors. All authors have filed conflict of interest statements with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Any conflicts have been resolved through a process approved by the Board of Directors. The American Academy of Pediatrics has neither solicited nor accepted any commercial involvement in the development of the content of this publication.

Policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics benefit from expertise and resources of liaisons and internal (AAP) and external reviewers. However, policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics may not reflect the views of the liaisons or the organizations or government agencies that they represent.

The guidance in this statement does not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.

All policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics automatically expire 5 years after publication unless reaffirmed, revised, or retired at or before that time.

FUNDING: No external funding.

Elaine A. Donoghue, MD, FAAP

Jill Sells, MD, FAAP, Chairperson

Beth DelConte, MD, FAAP

Elaine Donoghue, MD, FAAP

Marian Earls, MD, FAAP

Danette Glassy, MD, FAAP

Alan Mendelsohn, MD, FAAP

Terri McFadden, MD, FAAP

Seth Scholer, MD, FAAP

Jennifer Takagishi, MD, FAAP

Douglas Vanderbilt, MD, FAAP

P. Gail Williams, MD, FAAP

Claire Lerner, LCSW, Zero to Three

Barbara U. Hamilton, MA, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

David Willis, MD, FAAP, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

Lynette Fraga, PhD, Child Care Aware

Abbey Alkon, RN, PNP, PhD, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Laurel Hoffmann, MD, AAP Section on Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows in Training

Charlotte O. Zia, MPH, CHES

Competing Interests

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• How to write a research paper

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

With proper planning, knowledge, and framework, completing a research paper can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. 

Though it might initially sound slightly intimidating, this guide will help you embrace the challenge. 

By documenting your findings, you can inspire others and make a difference in your field. Here's how you can make your research paper unique and comprehensive.

• What is a research paper?

Research papers allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. These papers are usually lengthier and more detailed than typical essays, requiring deeper insight into the chosen topic.

To write a research paper, you must first choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the field of study. Once you’ve selected your topic, gathering as many relevant resources as possible, including books, scholarly articles, credible websites, and other academic materials, is essential. You must then read and analyze these sources, summarizing their key points and identifying gaps in the current research.

You can formulate your ideas and opinions once you thoroughly understand the existing research. To get there might involve conducting original research, gathering data, or analyzing existing data sets. It could also involve presenting an original argument or interpretation of the existing research.

Writing a successful research paper involves presenting your findings clearly and engagingly, which might involve using charts, graphs, or other visual aids to present your data and using concise language to explain your findings. You must also ensure your paper adheres to relevant academic formatting guidelines, including proper citations and references.

Overall, writing a research paper requires a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. However, it is also an enriching experience that allows you to delve deeply into a subject that interests you and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your chosen field.

• How long should a research paper be?

Research papers are deep dives into a topic. Therefore, they tend to be longer pieces of work than essays or opinion pieces. 

However, a suitable length depends on the complexity of the topic and your level of expertise. For instance, are you a first-year college student or an experienced professional? 

Also, remember that the best research papers provide valuable information for the benefit of others. Therefore, the quality of information matters most, not necessarily the length. Being concise is valuable.

Following these best practice steps will help keep your process simple and productive:

1. Gaining a deep understanding of any expectations

Before diving into your intended topic or beginning the research phase, take some time to orient yourself. Suppose there’s a specific topic assigned to you. In that case, it’s essential to deeply understand the question and organize your planning and approach in response. Pay attention to the key requirements and ensure you align your writing accordingly. 

This preparation step entails

Deeply understanding the task or assignment

Being clear about the expected format and length

Familiarizing yourself with the citation and referencing requirements 

Understanding any defined limits for your research contribution

Where applicable, speaking to your professor or research supervisor for further clarification

2. Choose your research topic

Select a research topic that aligns with both your interests and available resources. Ideally, focus on a field where you possess significant experience and analytical skills. In crafting your research paper, it's crucial to go beyond summarizing existing data and contribute fresh insights to the chosen area.

Consider narrowing your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. For example, if exploring the link between technology and mental health, delve into how social media use during the pandemic impacts the well-being of college students. Conducting interviews and surveys with students could provide firsthand data and unique perspectives, adding substantial value to the existing knowledge.

When finalizing your topic, adhere to legal and ethical norms in the relevant area (this ensures the integrity of your research, protects participants' rights, upholds intellectual property standards, and ensures transparency and accountability). Following these principles not only maintains the credibility of your work but also builds trust within your academic or professional community.

For instance, in writing about medical research, consider legal and ethical norms , including patient confidentiality laws and informed consent requirements. Similarly, if analyzing user data on social media platforms, be mindful of data privacy regulations, ensuring compliance with laws governing personal information collection and use. Aligning with legal and ethical standards not only avoids potential issues but also underscores the responsible conduct of your research.

3. Gather preliminary research

Once you’ve landed on your topic, it’s time to explore it further. You’ll want to discover more about available resources and existing research relevant to your assignment at this stage. 

This exploratory phase is vital as you may discover issues with your original idea or realize you have insufficient resources to explore the topic effectively. This key bit of groundwork allows you to redirect your research topic in a different, more feasible, or more relevant direction if necessary. 

Spending ample time at this stage ensures you gather everything you need, learn as much as you can about the topic, and discover gaps where the topic has yet to be sufficiently covered, offering an opportunity to research it further. 

4. Define your research question

To produce a well-structured and focused paper, it is imperative to formulate a clear and precise research question that will guide your work. Your research question must be informed by the existing literature and tailored to the scope and objectives of your project. By refining your focus, you can produce a thoughtful and engaging paper that effectively communicates your ideas to your readers.

5. Write a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a one-to-two-sentence summary of your research paper's main argument or direction. It serves as an overall guide to summarize the overall intent of the research paper for you and anyone wanting to know more about the research.

A strong thesis statement is:

Concise and clear: Explain your case in simple sentences (avoid covering multiple ideas). It might help to think of this section as an elevator pitch.

Specific: Ensure that there is no ambiguity in your statement and that your summary covers the points argued in the paper.

Debatable: A thesis statement puts forward a specific argument––it is not merely a statement but a debatable point that can be analyzed and discussed.

Here are three thesis statement examples from different disciplines:

Psychology thesis example: "We're studying adults aged 25-40 to see if taking short breaks for mindfulness can help with stress. Our goal is to find practical ways to manage anxiety better."

Environmental science thesis example: "This research paper looks into how having more city parks might make the air cleaner and keep people healthier. I want to find out if more green spaces means breathing fewer carcinogens in big cities."

UX research thesis example: "This study focuses on improving mobile banking for older adults using ethnographic research, eye-tracking analysis, and interactive prototyping. We investigate the usefulness of eye-tracking analysis with older individuals, aiming to spark debate and offer fresh perspectives on UX design and digital inclusivity for the aging population."

6. Conduct in-depth research

A research paper doesn’t just include research that you’ve uncovered from other papers and studies but your fresh insights, too. You will seek to become an expert on your topic––understanding the nuances in the current leading theories. You will analyze existing research and add your thinking and discoveries.  It's crucial to conduct well-designed research that is rigorous, robust, and based on reliable sources. Suppose a research paper lacks evidence or is biased. In that case, it won't benefit the academic community or the general public. Therefore, examining the topic thoroughly and furthering its understanding through high-quality research is essential. That usually means conducting new research. Depending on the area under investigation, you may conduct surveys, interviews, diary studies , or observational research to uncover new insights or bolster current claims.

7. Determine supporting evidence

Not every piece of research you’ve discovered will be relevant to your research paper. It’s important to categorize the most meaningful evidence to include alongside your discoveries. It's important to include evidence that doesn't support your claims to avoid exclusion bias and ensure a fair research paper.

8. Write a research paper outline

Before diving in and writing the whole paper, start with an outline. It will help you to see if more research is needed, and it will provide a framework by which to write a more compelling paper. Your supervisor may even request an outline to approve before beginning to write the first draft of the full paper. An outline will include your topic, thesis statement, key headings, short summaries of the research, and your arguments.

9. Write your first draft

Once you feel confident about your outline and sources, it’s time to write your first draft. While penning a long piece of content can be intimidating, if you’ve laid the groundwork, you will have a structure to help you move steadily through each section. To keep up motivation and inspiration, it’s often best to keep the pace quick. Stopping for long periods can interrupt your flow and make jumping back in harder than writing when things are fresh in your mind.

10. Cite your sources correctly

It's always a good practice to give credit where it's due, and the same goes for citing any works that have influenced your paper. Building your arguments on credible references adds value and authenticity to your research. In the formatting guidelines section, you’ll find an overview of different citation styles (MLA, CMOS, or APA), which will help you meet any publishing or academic requirements and strengthen your paper's credibility. It is essential to follow the guidelines provided by your school or the publication you are submitting to ensure the accuracy and relevance of your citations.

11. Ensure your work is original

It is crucial to ensure the originality of your paper, as plagiarism can lead to serious consequences. To avoid plagiarism, you should use proper paraphrasing and quoting techniques. Paraphrasing is rewriting a text in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Quoting involves directly citing the source. Giving credit to the original author or source is essential whenever you borrow their ideas or words. You can also use plagiarism detection tools such as Scribbr or Grammarly to check the originality of your paper. These tools compare your draft writing to a vast database of online sources. If you find any accidental plagiarism, you should correct it immediately by rephrasing or citing the source.

12. Revise, edit, and proofread

One of the essential qualities of excellent writers is their ability to understand the importance of editing and proofreading. Even though it's tempting to call it a day once you've finished your writing, editing your work can significantly improve its quality. It's natural to overlook the weaker areas when you've just finished writing a paper. Therefore, it's best to take a break of a day or two, or even up to a week, to refresh your mind. This way, you can return to your work with a new perspective. After some breathing room, you can spot any inconsistencies, spelling and grammar errors, typos, or missing citations and correct them. 

• The best research paper format 

The format of your research paper should align with the requirements set forth by your college, school, or target publication. 

There is no one “best” format, per se. Depending on the stated requirements, you may need to include the following elements:

Title page: The title page of a research paper typically includes the title, author's name, and institutional affiliation and may include additional information such as a course name or instructor's name. 

Table of contents: Include a table of contents to make it easy for readers to find specific sections of your paper.

Abstract: The abstract is a summary of the purpose of the paper.

Methods : In this section, describe the research methods used. This may include collecting data , conducting interviews, or doing field research .

Results: Summarize the conclusions you drew from your research in this section.

Discussion: In this section, discuss the implications of your research . Be sure to mention any significant limitations to your approach and suggest areas for further research.

Tables, charts, and illustrations: Use tables, charts, and illustrations to help convey your research findings and make them easier to understand.

Works cited or reference page: Include a works cited or reference page to give credit to the sources that you used to conduct your research.

Bibliography: Provide a list of all the sources you consulted while conducting your research.

Dedication and acknowledgments : Optionally, you may include a dedication and acknowledgments section to thank individuals who helped you with your research.

• General style and formatting guidelines

Formatting your research paper means you can submit it to your college, journal, or other publications in compliance with their criteria.

Research papers tend to follow the American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), or Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) guidelines.

Here’s how each style guide is typically used:

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS):

CMOS is a versatile style guide used for various types of writing. It's known for its flexibility and use in the humanities. CMOS provides guidelines for citations, formatting, and overall writing style. It allows for both footnotes and in-text citations, giving writers options based on their preferences or publication requirements.

American Psychological Association (APA):

APA is common in the social sciences. It’s hailed for its clarity and emphasis on precision. It has specific rules for citing sources, creating references, and formatting papers. APA style uses in-text citations with an accompanying reference list. It's designed to convey information efficiently and is widely used in academic and scientific writing.

Modern Language Association (MLA):

MLA is widely used in the humanities, especially literature and language studies. It emphasizes the author-page format for in-text citations and provides guidelines for creating a "Works Cited" page. MLA is known for its focus on the author's name and the literary works cited. It’s frequently used in disciplines that prioritize literary analysis and critical thinking.

To confirm you're using the latest style guide, check the official website or publisher's site for updates, consult academic resources, and verify the guide's publication date. Online platforms and educational resources may also provide summaries and alerts about any revisions or additions to the style guide.

Citing sources

When working on your research paper, it's important to cite the sources you used properly. Your citation style will guide you through this process. Generally, there are three parts to citing sources in your research paper: 

First, provide a brief citation in the body of your essay. This is also known as a parenthetical or in-text citation. 

Second, include a full citation in the Reference list at the end of your paper. Different types of citations include in-text citations, footnotes, and reference lists. 

In-text citations include the author's surname and the date of the citation. 

Footnotes appear at the bottom of each page of your research paper. They may also be summarized within a reference list at the end of the paper. 

A reference list includes all of the research used within the paper at the end of the document. It should include the author, date, paper title, and publisher listed in the order that aligns with your citation style.

10 research paper writing tips:

Following some best practices is essential to writing a research paper that contributes to your field of study and creates a positive impact.

These tactics will help you structure your argument effectively and ensure your work benefits others:

Clear and precise language:  Ensure your language is unambiguous. Use academic language appropriately, but keep it simple. Also, provide clear takeaways for your audience.

Effective idea separation:  Organize the vast amount of information and sources in your paper with paragraphs and titles. Create easily digestible sections for your readers to navigate through.

Compelling intro:  Craft an engaging introduction that captures your reader's interest. Hook your audience and motivate them to continue reading.

Thorough revision and editing:  Take the time to review and edit your paper comprehensively. Use tools like Grammarly to detect and correct small, overlooked errors.

Thesis precision:  Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that guides your paper. Ensure that your thesis aligns with your research's overall purpose and contribution.

Logical flow of ideas:  Maintain a logical progression throughout the paper. Use transitions effectively to connect different sections and maintain coherence.

Critical evaluation of sources:  Evaluate and critically assess the relevance and reliability of your sources. Ensure that your research is based on credible and up-to-date information.

Thematic consistency:  Maintain a consistent theme throughout the paper. Ensure that all sections contribute cohesively to the overall argument.

Relevant supporting evidence:  Provide concise and relevant evidence to support your arguments. Avoid unnecessary details that may distract from the main points.

Embrace counterarguments:  Acknowledge and address opposing views to strengthen your position. Show that you have considered alternative arguments in your field.

7 research tips 

If you want your paper to not only be well-written but also contribute to the progress of human knowledge, consider these tips to take your paper to the next level:

Selecting the appropriate topic: The topic you select should align with your area of expertise, comply with the requirements of your project, and have sufficient resources for a comprehensive investigation.

Use academic databases: Academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSTOR offer a wealth of research papers that can help you discover everything you need to know about your chosen topic.

Critically evaluate sources: It is important not to accept research findings at face value. Instead, it is crucial to critically analyze the information to avoid jumping to conclusions or overlooking important details. A well-written research paper requires a critical analysis with thorough reasoning to support claims.

Diversify your sources: Expand your research horizons by exploring a variety of sources beyond the standard databases. Utilize books, conference proceedings, and interviews to gather diverse perspectives and enrich your understanding of the topic.

Take detailed notes: Detailed note-taking is crucial during research and can help you form the outline and body of your paper.

Stay up on trends: Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field by regularly checking for recent publications. Subscribe to newsletters, follow relevant journals, and attend conferences to stay informed about emerging trends and advancements. 

Engage in peer review: Seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure the rigor and validity of your research . Peer review helps identify potential weaknesses in your methodology and strengthens the overall credibility of your findings.

• The real-world impact of research papers

Writing a research paper is more than an academic or business exercise. The experience provides an opportunity to explore a subject in-depth, broaden one's understanding, and arrive at meaningful conclusions. With careful planning, dedication, and hard work, writing a research paper can be a fulfilling and enriching experience contributing to advancing knowledge.

How do I publish my research paper? 

Many academics wish to publish their research papers. While challenging, your paper might get traction if it covers new and well-written information. To publish your research paper, find a target publication, thoroughly read their guidelines, format your paper accordingly, and send it to them per their instructions. You may need to include a cover letter, too. After submission, your paper may be peer-reviewed by experts to assess its legitimacy, quality, originality, and methodology. Following review, you will be informed by the publication whether they have accepted or rejected your paper. 

What is a good opening sentence for a research paper? 

Beginning your research paper with a compelling introduction can ensure readers are interested in going further. A relevant quote, a compelling statistic, or a bold argument can start the paper and hook your reader. Remember, though, that the most important aspect of a research paper is the quality of the information––not necessarily your ability to storytell, so ensure anything you write aligns with your goals.

Research paper vs. a research proposal—what’s the difference?

While some may confuse research papers and proposals, they are different documents. 

A research proposal comes before a research paper. It is a detailed document that outlines an intended area of exploration. It includes the research topic, methodology, timeline, sources, and potential conclusions. Research proposals are often required when seeking approval to conduct research. 

A research paper is a summary of research findings. A research paper follows a structured format to present those findings and construct an argument or conclusion.

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How to start your research paper [step-by-step guide]

1. Choose your topic

2. find information on your topic, 3. create a thesis statement, 4. create a research paper outline, 5. organize your notes, 6. write your introduction, 7. write your first draft of the body, 9. write your conclusion, 10. revise again, edit, and proofread, frequently asked questions about starting your research paper, related articles.

Research papers can be short or in-depth, but no matter what type of research paper, they all follow pretty much the same pattern and have the same structure .

A research paper is a paper that makes an argument about a topic based on research and analysis.

There will be some basic differences, but if you can write one type of research paper, you can write another. Below is a step-by-step guide to starting and completing your research paper.

Choose a topic that interests you. Writing your research paper will be so much more pleasant with a topic that you actually want to know more about. Your interest will show in the way you write and effort you put into the paper. Consider these issues when coming up with a topic:

• make sure your topic is not too broad
• narrow it down if you're using terms that are too general

Academic search engines are a great source to find background information on your topic. Your institution's library will most likely provide access to plenty of online research databases. Take a look at our guide on how to efficiently search online databases for academic research to learn how to gather all the information needed on your topic.

Tip: If you’re struggling with finding research, consider meeting with an academic librarian to help you come up with more balanced keywords.

If you’re struggling to find a topic for your thesis, take a look at our guide on how to come up with a thesis topic .

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing. It can be defined as a very brief statement of what the main point or central message of your paper is. Our thesis statement guide will help you write an excellent thesis statement.

In the next step, you need to create your research paper outline . The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline.

Then, fill out your outline with the following components:

• the main ideas that you want to cover in the paper
• the types of evidence that you will use to support your argument
• quotes from secondary sources that you may want to use

Organizing all the information you have gathered according to your outline will help you later on in the writing process. Analyze your notes, check for accuracy, verify the information, and make sure you understand all the information you have gathered in a way that you can communicate your findings effectively.

Start with the introduction. It will set the direction of your paper and help you a lot as you write. Waiting to write it at the end can leave you with a poorly written setup to an otherwise well-written paper.

The body of your paper argues, explains or describes your topic. Start with the first topic from your outline. Ideally, you have organized your notes in a way that you can work through your research paper outline and have all the notes ready.

After your first draft, take some time to check the paper for content errors. Rearrange ideas, make changes and check if the order of your paragraphs makes sense. At this point, it is helpful to re-read the research paper guidelines and make sure you have followed the format requirements. You can also use free grammar and proof reading checkers such as Grammarly .

Tip: Consider reading your paper from back to front when you undertake your initial revision. This will help you ensure that your argument and organization are sound.

Write your conclusion last and avoid including any new information that has not already been presented in the body of the paper. Your conclusion should wrap up your paper and show that your research question has been answered.

Allow a few days to pass after you finished writing the final draft of your research paper, and then start making your final corrections. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gives some great advice here on how to revise, edit, and proofread your paper.

Tip: Take a break from your paper before you start your final revisions. Then, you’ll be able to approach your paper with fresh eyes.

As part of your final revision, be sure to check that you’ve cited everything correctly and that you have a full bibliography. Use a reference manager like Paperpile to organize your research and to create accurate citations.

The first step to start writing a research paper is to choose a topic. Make sure your topic is not too broad; narrow it down if you're using terms that are too general.

The format of your research paper will vary depending on the journal you submit to. Make sure to check first which citation style does the journal follow, in order to format your paper accordingly. Check Getting started with your research paper outline to have an idea of what a research paper looks like.

The last step of your research paper should be proofreading. Allow a few days to pass after you finished writing the final draft of your research paper, and then start making your final corrections. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gives some great advice here on how to revise, edit and proofread your paper.

There are plenty of software you can use to write a research paper. We recommend our own citation software, Paperpile , as well as grammar and proof reading checkers such as Grammarly .

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Expert Commentary

Daycare and early childhood education in the United States: Research roundup

2015 review of research literature relating to daycare issues, as well as relevant studies and other data sources on early childhood education in the United States.

Republish this article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

by Justin Feldman, The Journalist's Resource January 22, 2015

This <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org/education/early-childhood-care-education-united-states-research-roundup/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org">The Journalist's Resource</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-jr-favicon-150x150.png" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;">

As the percentage of women in the workforce has grown over time — in 1974 it was just 47%, and by 2007 was nearly 71% — the need for affordable childcare options has become a focus of increasing media and public attention , with many new avenues for stories, trend analysis and investigations .

In his 2015 State of the Union Address , President Obama put the issue front and center, saying that childcare is a “must have” for working parents: “It’s time we stop treating childcare as a side issue, or a women’s issue, and treat it like the national economic priority that it is for all of us.” He proposed a new annual tax cut of up to $3,000 per child.

Making daycare arrangements is now one of the primary economic and logistical concerns for working parents, with profound career implications , especially for women. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28% of mothers with young children worked in 1975, more than doubling to 60% by 2013 . Over the same period, the number of daycare industry employees increased by nearly 250%. The BLS notes that investment in childcare by non-profit and government agencies, as well as new tax credits, also helped to fuel the industry’s growth.

The group Child Care Aware notes that about 11 million children under age 5 spend an average of 35 hours a week in child care. For infants in center-based care, the average annual cost ranges from $5,496 in Mississippi to $16,549 in Massachusetts; for 4-year-olds, care in a center ranges from $4,515 in Tennessee to $12,320 in Massachusetts, according to Child Care Aware. The quality of care and degree of regulation of facilities has been found to vary widely. Childcare workers (excluding preschool teachers) continue to be paid some of the lowest wages of any professional field — just $21,490 on average.

According to Census Bureau data , a third of young children — or 6.7 million — receive care from a nonrelative on a regular basis, including 4.8 million children who attend an organized preschool or daycare facility. The remaining children are involved in other kinds of arrangements, such as daycare programs based in a provider’s home. To see broad and shifting patterns of childcare across American society, see the Census Bureau’s 2013 report “Who’s Minding the Kids?” It notes that “families with children under 5 paid, on average, $179 per week, or over $9,300 a year for child care.” Further, “the average cost of childcare for families with an employed mother increased between 2005 and 2010, from $124 to $142. While the cost of child care increased over time, the percent of family monthly income spent on child care has stayed constant between 1997 and 2011, at around 7%.”

Affording childcare can be a challenge for parents, particularly those with low incomes. A 2014 Pew Research Center report found that families earning less than $18,000 annually spend about 40% of their income on childcare (compared to 7.2% of income for all families). The report notes that the number of stay-at-home mothers has increased over the past 15 years, a trend that may be explained by prohibitive childcare costs. At the same time, there are a number of government programs that offer free access to daycare and preschool for young children. The federally funded Head Start program serves more than 1 million children from birth to age 5. All but 10 states have state-funded preschool programs , which usually serve children starting at age 4, but funding and participation rates vary widely.

A growing body of academic research has found evidence that early childhood education programs provide wide-ranging benefits that may persist for the rest of a child’s life. The Abecedarian Project , one of the most important studies on the long-term effects of preschool, randomly assigned students to an early childhood education program or a control group. The study has tracked its participants since the 1970s and has found that attending preschool had long-lasting benefits on academic performance, career development and health outcomes. Significant research continues on early childhood education and support programs for children of lower socioeconomic status.

For state-by-state data, including locations of facilities and rules, see Childcare.gov . Child Care Aware also provides state-level analysis and ranks each state according to the degree of oversight and regulation, among other metrics.

Below is a selection of relevant studies as well as other data sources on daycare and early childhood education in the United States.

“The State of Preschool 2013” Barnett, W.S., Carolan, M.E., Squires, J.H., Clarke Brown, K. National Institute for Early Education Research.

Findings: “After the 2011-2012 downturn in spending and quality, many state pre K program budgets leveled off and even regained some ground. This offers hope that as state budgets emerge from the recession, policymakers will prioritize early learning programs. However, this was also the first year since we began reporting (2001-2002), that states failed to increase the number of children they serve in pre-K. The loss of 9,160 children from enrollment at age 4 and 42 children at age 3 are modest changes, but this is the first decrease we have observed. At the same time, this represents a reversal—or at least a pause—of the trend toward spreading too little funding over ever more children, which led to expanded access while jeopardizing program quality. What remains to be seen is whether the small enrollment decrease of 2012-2013, coupled with a small increase in spending, represents a turning point after which both access and quality will be increased, or simply a new stasis in which neither advances significantly.”

“Adult Outcomes as a Function of an Early Childhood Educational Program: An Abecedarian Project Follow-Up” Campbell, F. A., Pungello, E. P., Burchinal, M., Kainz, K., Pan, Y., Wasik, B. H., Ramey, C. T. Developmental Psychology , 2012. Vol. 48, Issue 4. doi: 10.1037/a0026644.

Findings: “Consistent with findings from the other studies being compared here, the Abecedarian Project’s treated group significantly excelled over the control group in educational attainment at age 30. The standardized effect size was moderately large. Unexpectedly, however, the Abecedarian early treatment was not associated with a higher rate of high school graduation, but rather with going beyond high school. Prior analysis examining the predictors of young adult education suggested that family factors were relatively more influential insofar as completing high school was concerned, whereas early childhood intervention was strongly related to going on to college (Pungello et al., 2010). At age 30, the treated Abecedarian participants were 4.6 times more likely than the control participants to have earned college degrees.”

“Parental Stress and Daycare Attendance”

Bigras, N., Lemay, L., Brunson, L. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences , 2012. Vol. 55. doi: doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.578.

Findings: “Our results indicate that parental satisfaction with daycare is a significant predictor of parental stress and that low quality of care moderates the relation between low family income and high parental stress. The results underline the importance of daycare quality and of parental satisfaction in regulated daycare and the importance of interventions designed to enhance quality in daycare settings where levels of quality are low. These results are particularly important in a context where a regulated nonprofit childcare services network is largely funded by the government in order to insure equal opportunities for all.”

“Early childhood intervention and life-cycle skill development: Evidence from Head Start” Deming, David. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics , 2009. Vol. 1, Issue, 3. doi: 10.1257/app.1.3.111.

Findings: “This paper provides evidence of the long-term benefits of Head Start for a recent birth cohort of children. While my results rely on non-experimental comparisons between siblings who differ in their participation in the program, I find little evidence of systematic within-family bias in preschool assignment, and the results are robust to sensitivity checks and alternative specifications. I estimate that the long-term impact of Head Start is about 0.23 standard deviations on a summary index of young adult outcomes, with larger impacts for African Americans and relatively disadvantaged children.”

“How Can Parents Get Involved in Preschool? Barriers and Engagement in Education by Ethnic Minority Parents of Children Attending Head Start” Mendez, Julia. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology , 2010. Vol. 16, Issue 1. doi: 0.1037/a0016258.

Findings: “An intervention was developed to promote parent involvement with ethnic minority families of children attending Head Start preschool programs. Two hundred eighty-eight predominantly African American families from a small southern city were included in this study. Parent satisfaction with the program was high, yet engagement was less than optimal. Some effects were found for the program, despite low levels of participation. Ethnic minority parents who received the intervention increased the frequency of reading to their child as compared with parents in a comparison group who did not receive the program. The quality of the parent–teacher relationship was significantly correlated with parental participation in the intervention. Program participation and the parent–teacher relationship were correlated with higher levels of children’s school readiness abilities. Children in the intervention condition showed stronger end-of-year receptive vocabulary and parent-rated social competence as compared with children who did not receive treatment.”

“Unintended Consequences of Child Care Regulations” Blau, David M. Journal of Labour Economics , June 2007, Vol. 14, No. 3. doi: 10.1016/j.labeco.2006.01.003.

Findings: “The effects of regulations governing staff-child ratio, group size, and staff qualifications in child care centers are estimated, using data on a sample of centers. The data contain measures of staff characteristics and wages, price of the service, and the developmental quality of the child care provided. Regulations vary across states, but may be endogenous to these outcomes. Estimates with state fixed effects are feasible because regulations vary within states by age group of children and job title of staff. Estimates with state fixed effects show that tougher regulations have some impact on input use, but have little or no impact on price and quality. The most striking finding is that tougher regulations reduce staff wages, suggesting that the incidence of child care regulations is on employees of daycare centers.”

Keywords: parenting, children, women and work, research roundup

About The Author

Justin Feldman

How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂 

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

• How to write a research paper
• Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
• Stage 2 : Structure & outline
• Stage 3 : Iterative writing
• Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

• Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
• Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
• Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail. 

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications . If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

• To choose a research question and review the literature
• To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
• To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

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Research on Family Child Care

Head Start programs use early care and education research to support and guide planning efforts. Research demonstrates trends and strategies in the field. It shows that high-quality early learning experiences promote young children's development and parents' ability to facilitate their children's learning. It demonstrates the impact of quality practices on children, families, staff, and programs. Research provides models for successful home-based and family child care program options and supports partnerships between child care and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Explore this collection of research reports for more information:

• A Conceptual Model for Quality in Home-Based Child Care
• The Role of Licensing in Supporting Quality Practices in Early Care and Education
• Professional Development Tools to Improve the Quality of Infant and Toddler Care: A Review of the Literature
• Child Care Subsidies Under the CCDF Program: An Overview of Policy Differences Across States and Territories as of October 1, 2017
• Working Together for Children and Families: Findings from the National Descriptive Study of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships
• Supporting Quality in Home-Based Child Care: Final Brief [PDF, 276KB]
• A Review of the Literature on Home-Based Child Care: Implications for Future Directions, Final
• National Survey of Early Care and Education Summary Briefs

Resource Type: Article

National Centers: Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning

Program Option: Family Child Care Option

Last Updated: May 12, 2022

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How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

The research paper introduction section, along with the Title and Abstract, can be considered the face of any research paper. The following article is intended to guide you in organizing and writing the research paper introduction for a quality academic article or dissertation.

The research paper introduction aims to present the topic to the reader. A study will only be accepted for publishing if you can ascertain that the available literature cannot answer your research question. So it is important to ensure that you have read important studies on that particular topic, especially those within the last five to ten years, and that they are properly referenced in this section. 1 What should be included in the research paper introduction is decided by what you want to tell readers about the reason behind the research and how you plan to fill the knowledge gap. The best research paper introduction provides a systemic review of existing work and demonstrates additional work that needs to be done. It needs to be brief, captivating, and well-referenced; a well-drafted research paper introduction will help the researcher win half the battle.

The introduction for a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your research topic
• Capture reader interest
• Summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Define your specific research problem and problem statement
• Highlight the novelty and contributions of the study
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The research paper introduction can vary in size and structure depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or is a review paper. Some research paper introduction examples are only half a page while others are a few pages long. In many cases, the introduction will be shorter than all of the other sections of your paper; its length depends on the size of your paper as a whole.

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Table of Contents

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The introduction in a research paper is placed at the beginning to guide the reader from a broad subject area to the specific topic that your research addresses. They present the following information to the reader

• Scope: The topic covered in the research paper
• Context: Background of your topic
• Importance: Why your research matters in that particular area of research and the industry problem that can be targeted

The research paper introduction conveys a lot of information and can be considered an essential roadmap for the rest of your paper. A good introduction for a research paper is important for the following reasons:

• It stimulates your reader’s interest: A good introduction section can make your readers want to read your paper by capturing their interest. It informs the reader what they are going to learn and helps determine if the topic is of interest to them.
• It helps the reader understand the research background: Without a clear introduction, your readers may feel confused and even struggle when reading your paper. A good research paper introduction will prepare them for the in-depth research to come. It provides you the opportunity to engage with the readers and demonstrate your knowledge and authority on the specific topic.
• It explains why your research paper is worth reading: Your introduction can convey a lot of information to your readers. It introduces the topic, why the topic is important, and how you plan to proceed with your research.
• It helps guide the reader through the rest of the paper: The research paper introduction gives the reader a sense of the nature of the information that will support your arguments and the general organization of the paragraphs that will follow. It offers an overview of what to expect when reading the main body of your paper.

What are the parts of introduction in the research?

A good research paper introduction section should comprise three main elements: 2

• What is known: This sets the stage for your research. It informs the readers of what is known on the subject.
• What is lacking: This is aimed at justifying the reason for carrying out your research. This could involve investigating a new concept or method or building upon previous research.
• What you aim to do: This part briefly states the objectives of your research and its major contributions. Your detailed hypothesis will also form a part of this section.

How to write a research paper introduction?

The first step in writing the research paper introduction is to inform the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening statement. The second step involves establishing the kinds of research that have been done and ending with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to address. Finally, the research paper introduction clarifies how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses. If your research involved testing hypotheses, these should be stated along with your research question. The hypothesis should be presented in the past tense since it will have been tested by the time you are writing the research paper introduction.

The following key points, with examples, can guide you when writing the research paper introduction section:

• Highlight the importance of the research field or topic
• Describe the background of the topic
• Present an overview of current research on the topic

Example: The inclusion of experiential and competency-based learning has benefitted electronics engineering education. Industry partnerships provide an excellent alternative for students wanting to engage in solving real-world challenges. Industry-academia participation has grown in recent years due to the need for skilled engineers with practical training and specialized expertise. However, from the educational perspective, many activities are needed to incorporate sustainable development goals into the university curricula and consolidate learning innovation in universities.

• Reveal a gap in existing research or oppose an existing assumption
• Formulate the research question

Example: There have been plausible efforts to integrate educational activities in higher education electronics engineering programs. However, very few studies have considered using educational research methods for performance evaluation of competency-based higher engineering education, with a focus on technical and or transversal skills. To remedy the current need for evaluating competencies in STEM fields and providing sustainable development goals in engineering education, in this study, a comparison was drawn between study groups without and with industry partners.

• State the purpose of your study
• Highlight the key characteristics of your study
• Describe important results
• Highlight the novelty of the study.
• Offer a brief overview of the structure of the paper.

Example: The study evaluates the main competency needed in the applied electronics course, which is a fundamental core subject for many electronics engineering undergraduate programs. We compared two groups, without and with an industrial partner, that offered real-world projects to solve during the semester. This comparison can help determine significant differences in both groups in terms of developing subject competency and achieving sustainable development goals.

Write a Research Paper Introduction in Minutes with Paperpal

Paperpal Copilot is a generative AI-powered academic writing assistant. It’s trained on millions of published scholarly articles and over 20 years of STM experience. Paperpal Copilot helps authors write better and faster with:

• Real-time writing suggestions
• In-depth checks for language and grammar correction
• Paraphrasing to add variety, ensure academic tone, and trim text to meet journal limits

With Paperpal Copilot, create a research paper introduction effortlessly. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how Paperpal transforms your initial ideas into a polished and publication-ready introduction.

How to use Paperpal to write the Introduction section

Step 1: Sign up on Paperpal and click on the Copilot feature, under this choose Outlines > Research Article > Introduction

Step 2: Add your unstructured notes or initial draft, whether in English or another language, to Paperpal, which is to be used as the base for your content.

Step 3: Fill in the specifics, such as your field of study, brief description or details you want to include, which will help the AI generate the outline for your Introduction.

Step 4: Use this outline and sentence suggestions to develop your content, adding citations where needed and modifying it to align with your specific research focus.

Step 5: Turn to Paperpal’s granular language checks to refine your content, tailor it to reflect your personal writing style, and ensure it effectively conveys your message.

You can use the same process to develop each section of your article, and finally your research paper in half the time and without any of the stress.

The purpose of the research paper introduction is to introduce the reader to the problem definition, justify the need for the study, and describe the main theme of the study. The aim is to gain the reader’s attention by providing them with necessary background information and establishing the main purpose and direction of the research.

The length of the research paper introduction can vary across journals and disciplines. While there are no strict word limits for writing the research paper introduction, an ideal length would be one page, with a maximum of 400 words over 1-4 paragraphs. Generally, it is one of the shorter sections of the paper as the reader is assumed to have at least a reasonable knowledge about the topic. 2 For example, for a study evaluating the role of building design in ensuring fire safety, there is no need to discuss definitions and nature of fire in the introduction; you could start by commenting upon the existing practices for fire safety and how your study will add to the existing knowledge and practice.

When deciding what to include in the research paper introduction, the rest of the paper should also be considered. The aim is to introduce the reader smoothly to the topic and facilitate an easy read without much dependency on external sources. 3 Below is a list of elements you can include to prepare a research paper introduction outline and follow it when you are writing the research paper introduction. Topic introduction: This can include key definitions and a brief history of the topic. Research context and background: Offer the readers some general information and then narrow it down to specific aspects. Details of the research you conducted: A brief literature review can be included to support your arguments or line of thought. Rationale for the study: This establishes the relevance of your study and establishes its importance. Importance of your research: The main contributions are highlighted to help establish the novelty of your study Research hypothesis: Introduce your research question and propose an expected outcome. Organization of the paper: Include a short paragraph of 3-4 sentences that highlights your plan for the entire paper

Cite only works that are most relevant to your topic; as a general rule, you can include one to three. Note that readers want to see evidence of original thinking. So it is better to avoid using too many references as it does not leave much room for your personal standpoint to shine through. Citations in your research paper introduction support the key points, and the number of citations depend on the subject matter and the point discussed. If the research paper introduction is too long or overflowing with citations, it is better to cite a few review articles rather than the individual articles summarized in the review. A good point to remember when citing research papers in the introduction section is to include at least one-third of the references in the introduction.

The literature review plays a significant role in the research paper introduction section. A good literature review accomplishes the following: Introduces the topic – Establishes the study’s significance – Provides an overview of the relevant literature – Provides context for the study using literature – Identifies knowledge gaps However, remember to avoid making the following mistakes when writing a research paper introduction: Do not use studies from the literature review to aggressively support your research Avoid direct quoting Do not allow literature review to be the focus of this section. Instead, the literature review should only aid in setting a foundation for the manuscript.

Remember the following key points for writing a good research paper introduction: 4

• Avoid stuffing too much general information: Avoid including what an average reader would know and include only that information related to the problem being addressed in the research paper introduction. For example, when describing a comparative study of non-traditional methods for mechanical design optimization, information related to the traditional methods and differences between traditional and non-traditional methods would not be relevant. In this case, the introduction for the research paper should begin with the state-of-the-art non-traditional methods and methods to evaluate the efficiency of newly developed algorithms.
• Avoid packing too many references: Cite only the required works in your research paper introduction. The other works can be included in the discussion section to strengthen your findings.
• Avoid extensive criticism of previous studies: Avoid being overly critical of earlier studies while setting the rationale for your study. A better place for this would be the Discussion section, where you can highlight the advantages of your method.
• Avoid describing conclusions of the study: When writing a research paper introduction remember not to include the findings of your study. The aim is to let the readers know what question is being answered. The actual answer should only be given in the Results and Discussion section.

To summarize, the research paper introduction section should be brief yet informative. It should convince the reader the need to conduct the study and motivate him to read further. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, choose trusted AI academic writing assistants like Paperpal to effortlessly craft your research paper introduction and other sections of your research article.

1. Jawaid, S. A., & Jawaid, M. (2019). How to write introduction and discussion. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(Suppl 1), S18.

2. Dewan, P., & Gupta, P. (2016). Writing the title, abstract and introduction: Looks matter!. Indian pediatrics, 53, 235-241.

3. Cetin, S., & Hackam, D. J. (2005). An approach to the writing of a scientific Manuscript1. Journal of Surgical Research, 128(2), 165-167.

4. Bavdekar, S. B. (2015). Writing introduction: Laying the foundations of a research paper. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 63(7), 44-6.

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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Opening a Child Care Center: Do Your Research

Before opening a child care center, you’ll need to learn about some of the basics of starting a new child care business. Click on the sections below for guidance on these fundamental topics.

Complete a Needs Assessment

Understanding the community’s need for child care is critical for your business to be successful. Check out this needs assessment and call your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for help in answering some of these questions. This is an important first step in building your business plan.

Learn About Licensing and Background Checks

What is a child care license.

A child care license addresses the minimum acceptable health, safety, and program standards for the legal operation of child care programs. Child care licensing regulations vary by state. Contact your state licensing agency or your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for information on your state’s licensing requirements.

What does a child care license cover?

There are a variety of standards covered by a child care license. Although states will vary, most will cover the following topics:

• The maximum number of children allowed in the group (group size), and the minimum number of adults required for a specific number of children (adult-child ratio) depending on the age of the children
• Health and safety standards, such as immunizations, handwashing, diapering, medications, reporting of accidents and illnesses, safe sleep procedures, playground safety, and emergency preparedness plans
• Nutrition and food preparation
• Fire and safety drills
• Record keeping
• Minimum education requirements and ongoing training for providers
• Family engagement

Pandemic Consideration: Many states now have temporary licensing requirements or recommendations for child care programs to protect children and staff. It is important to know what new health and safety measures are recommended. Visit our State by State Resource Map and click on your state for information about child care and COVID-19.

How do I become a licensed child care center?

Each state has a different process for becoming licensed. Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency or state child care licensing office by visiting our State by State Resource Map for information on your state’s licensing requirements. Use this resource when talking to your local CCR&R agency to help you understand your state’s licensing regulations.

Most states will require an application, background checks, licensing and fire inspections, and certain training hours to be completed before a license is issued. Some programs may be exempt from licensing, depending on the type of program, where and when it operates, and the number of children in care.

What type of background checks do I need?

New federal law requires states to conduct criminal background checks on all child care employees that work at a licensed, license-exempt, regulated, and registered child care provider. This will include not only the staff that work directly with the children, but it will also include staff that works in the building such as the cook, janitor, bus driver, or any other individual that you employ. Your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency can update you on where your state is with the implementation of this new law.

Use this resource when talking to your local CCR&R agency to help you understand the steps you need to follow to obtain a background check for yourself and your employees.

Research Legal, Tax, and Insurance Considerations

Choose a legal structure.

Decide on the legal structure of your business. You may need legal advice to decide how to set up your business. Some local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies may have trainings or information to help you with these business practices.

Here are some ways in which you can structure your child care business.

• Sole proprietorship. You own an unincorporated business by yourself.
• Incorporation. Your business is set up so shareholders exchange money, property or both for the corporation’s capital stock. This structure protects your personal assets.
• Partnership. You join with two or more persons to own your child care business. You divide your profits and losses among partners.
• Tax-exempt organization. As a tax-exempt organization, any money after expenses is returned to the operation of the program. To claim this status, you must meet Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eligibility requirements.

As a small business, you will need to file business income tax information with local, state, and federal agencies unless your business is tax-exempt. Taxes should be a part of any budget for a child care business. You may want to consult with a tax professional, such as an accountant or a lawyer that specializes in business practices, to help you.

Purchase Insurance

Insurance requirements will vary by state. Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency or your state child care licensing office for information on the type of insurance that is required in your state.

Insurance protects you when emergencies or natural disasters occur. There are different types of insurance that you will want to investigate, even if it is not required by your state’s licensing regulations.

Business Owner’s Insurance generally is a combination of liability and property insurance. Buying the package is usually less expensive than buying two separate policies.

• General Liability Insurance covers bodily injury or property damage that occurs during the course or because of your business.
• Property Insurance covers all of your business equipment inside and outside of your program

Professional Liability Insurance insures you and your staff for losses due to your negligence while performing your business. Coverage for sexual abuse and molestation is generally included in professional liability insurance but verify this with your insurance agent. Sexual or physical abuse coverage insures you for loss if one or your employees or others with access to children in your program abuses a child in your care.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance is required in many states. This insurance pays benefits when an employee is injured while working.

For the best results, be sure to download and save the resources provided above. Doing so will allow you to complete the forms from your computer or mobile device.

These resources and more are also available in our Child Care Center Resources E-Book .

Child Care Aware® of America is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under the internal revenue code section 501(c)(3) and the organization’s Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 94-3060756.

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The Ultimate Guide on How to Start a Daycare Center

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For children, daycare centers are a jumpstart to healthy growth and development. For you, they could be the key to financial freedom and a rewarding career. 

Opening a daycare center is not as easy as ABC, 1-2-3. There are several components to consider like your location, the overall economy, operating costs, licensing, insurance coverage, and more.

This ultimate guide has everything you need to know about opening a daycare center and the nine steps you can take to start your business.

Daycare centers in the current economy

The daycare industry has always been essential. However, the COVID-19 pandemic did have a negative impact on many childcare programs. 

To cooperate with social distancing regulations, USA Today reported that more than 2 in 3 of the United States’ formal childcare centers were closed or operating at reduced capacity. In addition, many families lost the need for childcare when many corporate jobs shifted to remote work. 

Additionally, daycare centers continue to battle against inflation affecting the costs of rent, utilities, food, supplies, staff salaries, and tuition. And while this might all seem daunting, the childcare industry is on the rise again.

With the reduction of COVID-19 regulations, parents have returned to their offices, and the need for childcare has returned. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job growth outlook for childcare workers between 2022 to 2032 is projected to decline 2% however, it is projected that there will be 153,000 openings for childcare workers each year, on average, over the decade. And while the economy can quickly bring about the downside of any industry, there are many benefits associated with opening a daycare center to consider.

The benefits of opening a daycare center

The significant benefits of opening a daycare center include personal childcare, financial freedom, tax benefits, and a rewarding career.

Personal childcare

When parents of young children go to work, they have to consider child care. Who will watch their child? How much will it cost? Will they be available to drop them off and pick them up? Opening a daycare center eliminates these questions for you. Starting a daycare business could lead to increased financial freedom if you already provide at-home care for your own children. 

Financial freedom

Most workers in the corporate world rely on their supervisors and managers for a paycheck. Opening a daycare center gives you financial freedom and autonomy over your income. Owning your own business also allows you to make decisions to propel the business and ensure your financial security.

Tax benefits

Opening a daycare provides tax benefits that save you money. For example, as a business owner, you can write off certain daycare expenses, including your utility bills, vehicle, and childcare supplies. 

Opening an in-home daycare may also allow you to write off a portion of your housing payment as a business expense when you file taxes.

Rewarding career

There is no doubt that many daycare owners and workers find their job of teaching, helping, and encouraging children rewarding. Daycare is essential to young children's cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. Teachers have a direct hand in shaping their minds and behavior.

Before opening a daycare, ask yourself why you want to start a daycare. For example, are you passionate about fostering young children's development? Do you want to help families in your community? Reflecting on the reasons why you want to start a daycare will motivate you through the process and help your business succeed.

How much does it cost to start a daycare?

Before we outline the steps to starting your daycare center, you might find it beneficial to understand the financial obligation you’ll be making. The average cost to start and run a daycare business is about $50,000. The typical range is between $10,000 and $100,000 , depending on various factors like location, size of daycare, number of children, and staff.

Overall, home-based daycares usually has less start-up costs since you don't need to find a facility. On the other hand, medium to large-sized daycares can cost upward of $50,000, and the largest daycare centers can cost upward of $100,000, depending on your location. The typical operating costs of running a daycare center include:

Rent and utilities

You may opt to operate a home-based daycare center, which may cost less to operate than renting a commercial space. Most commercial spaces charge between $0.60 and $2.50 per square foot. Utilities may include electricity, water, heating, TV, phone, and internet.

Employee compensation

Hiring teaching and non-teaching staff is crucial if you plan to run a daycare. According to data from Salary.com as of September, 2023, childcare workers in the U.S. earn an average salary range of $34,500 to $43,000 per year. However, this range may differ based on your location as well as the employee's education, certifications, and years of experience.

Licensing fees

Daycare business licensing requirements and fees vary from one state to another. You should inquire with your state's early childhood education department to determine what licenses will be required for your business.

Insurance costs can range between $3,000 and $5,000 a year, depending on your specific policy and location. You may have to buy the following insurance policies: liability policy, property policy, workers’ compensation insurance and errors and omissions insurance.

Supplies and equipment 

You will need plenty of educational supplies and various furniture and equipment at your daycare center. Typical costs range from $30,000 to $40,000. Indoor furniture and equipment such as cribs, tables, changing stations, mats, chairs, computers, and outdoor furniture like playground equipment is essential for your center. Educational supplies like age-appropriate toys, books, and craft supplies, and housekeeping supplies such as cleaning supplies, diapers, and wipes should also be included in your budget.

If your center provides meals, you will also need to budget for the cost of food and other kitchen equipment and supplies like plates, cups, and napkins. The USDA website provides information on Child and Adult Care Food Program nutrition standards that most centers must abide by.

Advertising and marketing

Advertising and marketing are crucial for new and established daycare businesses. The total advertising and marketing costs can range between $1,000 and $1,500. These expenses typically include things like printed flyers or other marketing materials, website costs, or ads on social media.

When opening a daycare, use this information to estimate your daycare’s monthly budget and expenses.

How to start a daycare in 9 steps

Opening a daycare requires careful preparation. Follow these steps carefully in accordance with your local and state guidelines to keep your business compliant and help your daycare run smoothly.

1. Learn about daycare licensing requirements 

Daycare businesses often start small. You might transition from babysitting and nannying to owning your own childcare business. Making that transition requires you to be compliant with local and state regulations. 

To comply with your state's specific rules and regulations, check out Child Care Aware of America’s licensing guidelines for childcare and daycare providers. This resource allows you to research the requirements in your specific state and city. 

If the information for your state is unavailable, contact your state’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or equivalent agency. While the requirements will vary across the country, you typically need to meet specific education and training requirements to obtain a childcare license. 

For example, some states require that a childcare center director has a degree in child development or a related field, while others might require a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or years of experience working with children. 

Your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) will play a significant role in the information you need. Use them as a resource to understand and remain compliant with all childcare regulations.

2. Write a daycare business plan

Writing a daycare business plan will provide a great advantage and guide you through the rest of the startup process. 

To start, decide on a name for your daycare as well as a mission statement. You'll also need to determine your marketing plan, organizational plan, staffing, operations, and budget.

Next, you will need to research the costs of successfully launching a profitable daycare business. Consider the financial aspect of your daycare startup: are you using your own money or seeking a small business loan? Have you looked into daycare grants ? 

Creating and setting financial goals is crucial to running a successful business. In business, everything costs money, so make realistic expectations and estimates.

For additional help, the U.S. Small Business Association provides detailed instructions on writing a general business plan.

3. Find a location for your daycare

Are you starting an in-home daycare ? Are you looking to rent an existing daycare center? Are you planning to start a daycare business from scratch with a new facility?

You’ll often hear the phrase “location, location, location” in real estate. Consider this when searching for your daycare facility location. Note that all families will likely have a preference on where to send their child. Some might choose a quiet suburb over a bustling city. A facility next to a highway might raise safety and security concerns for some families. Remember these factors when searching for a location that fits your business needs.

Additionally, check your city zoning laws and childcare licensing guidelines to ensure your daycare business location is compliant with all regulations.

4. Get insurance for your daycare business

Depending on the type and size of the daycare you're opening, you will need various insurance policies . 

Most states require that daycare facilities obtain a license from their state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Part of the licensing process includes getting liability insurance. Liability insurance protects you and your business if someone gets hurt on your property. It is essential when caring for other people’s children.

Other types of insurance that could be beneficial in running your business include workers’ compensation—if an employee is injured on the job—and commercial property insurance—if your daycare center or assets are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.

Insurance can get complicated. Find out what coverage is required and check your local childcare provider licensing requirements for guidance.

5. Prepare your daycare facility

What do you need to open a daycare business? You'll need furniture and supplies if you're getting ready to open a daycare center. Use this list to guide you through your preparation.

Safety supplies:

• First aid kits
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency preparedness kit
• Emergency plan

Cleaning supplies:

• Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, vacuum, rubber gloves, etc.)
• Bathroom supplies (sponges, bucket, mop, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitation plan

Furniture & equipment:

• Highchairs and/or boosters
• Nap mats and/or cribs
• Step stools
• Shelves and/or storage system

Play materials:

• Crib mobiles
• Stacking rings
• Nesting cups or boxes
• Large play vehicles
• Dolls and stuffed animals
• Musical instruments

Daycare technology:

• Attendance tracking
• Automated billing
• Daily event tracking and recording
• Digital check-in/check-out system

After getting the necessary supplies for your daycare facility, preparing the space also means ensuring it is childproofed. Having safety supplies and measures in place is an irreplaceable step, but you’ll need to take it further. Secure furniture and large appliances to the wall. Install covers on electrical outlets. Avoid keeping small items and toys around the facility to prevent choking.

When opening a daycare, the safety of the children comes first. So spend the time and use the proper resources to set up a safe, compliant daycare center.

6. Develop policies and procedures

Use childcare forms and templates to kick-start developing policies, procedures, and handbooks for your staff and families. 

Three important forms are daily report, staff evaluation, and enrollment forms. 

• Daily report forms allow the staff to communicate with the parents on their child's progress. 
• Staff evaluation forms help you monitor your employees' performance at your center and also provide an opportunity for you to support their professional development.
• Lastly, enrollment forms will typically be one of a parent's first interactions with your business. Carefully craft the messaging to demonstrate a welcoming, inclusive environment for families and their children.

As mentioned in the previous section, preparing your daycare facility also includes needing emergency and sanitation plans. You’ll want to develop a disaster or crisis management plan under the guidance of your local childcare licensing requirements. Your crisis management plan should include health, safety, privacy, and nutrition protocols.

7. Hire staff to help you run your daycare

A daycare center is only as good as its staff, so carefully consider your childcare hiring decisions.

Verify the daycare licensing requirements for staff ratios. The child-to-staff ratio ensures that all children receive adequate care, but depends on factors like the children's age and the daycare center's size. If you plan on running the daycare facility on your own, this will limit the number of children you can have in your facility. 

Additionally, you will need information on the licensing requirements for teachers’ educational backgrounds and other qualifications. Childcare staff may also be subject to criminal background checks and fingerprinting for further investigation. Therefore, verify references and education levels rigorously to avoid faux credentials.

8. Invest in childcare software

One of the best ways to start a successful daycare is to take advantage of the fantastic daycare technologies at your disposal. Streamlining your administrative tasks gives you more time to focus on providing families with a quality childcare experience. 

Brightwheel makes easy-to-use childcare software to help you manage your daycare and stay in touch with families. Your staff can use brightwheel to record and track daily events and activities , and parents can get real-time updates delivered to their mobile devices throughout the day.

Our powerful daycare app also offers secure, digital check-in/check-out and an automated paperless daycare billing system .

9. Market your daycare business and seek applicants

You'll need a marketing strategy for your childcare center that includes marketing collateral and an online presence. 

Here are some ideas to get the word out about your daycare:

• List your business in local childcare directories and participate in your community's daycare or preschool enrollment fairs. 
• Advertise through local businesses, parent groups, local events, and popular childcare blogs. 
• Try popular early education sites like Tinybeans and Winnie .
• Run a social media campaign focusing on your target population.
• Host a grand opening event to attract families. 

Once you’ve managed to fill your inaugural child roster, continue with ongoing marketing efforts so that you’ll always be building a customer base.

FAQs about starting a daycare center

Here are some frequently asked questions about starting a daycare center:

Can you open a daycare center from home?

Most states allow you to operate a daycare center from your home or private residence. Like commercial daycare centers, in-home daycare centers require a license from your state. The National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations outlines each state's licensing policies and regulations. 

How much does it cost to get daycare licensing?

Daycare licensing fees vary from state to state, but they typically cost between $100 and $200. This cost does not include the expenses associated with any additional requirements like obtaining specific education, certification, or training requirements or making sure your facility or home is up to your state's standards.

How long does it take to get licensed?

The average time it takes to receive a daycare license varies by location but can take several months. However, this process can take longer if you lack the proper experience or documentation to fulfill your state’s requirements.

Are daycare centers profitable?

Your daycare center's profitability depends on many aspects of your business including your location, operating costs, tuition rates, and employee compensation. Generally, daycare centers in areas with higher costs of living can typically charge more for tuition. 

How much can you charge?

The average cost of center-based daycare in the United States is $10,000 - $12,000 per year. However, the price you charge for childcare will depend on numerous factors, including business location, local rates, average state tuition, and the child’s age. 

Your rates can also fluctuate based on what kind of child care you provide and whether you offer part-time, full-time, or after school care. 

How much does it cost to get insured?

The cost of business insurance varies based on the type of coverage policy. On average, you’ll pay the following premiums for business insurance:

• Business owner’s policy (BOP) = $84/month
• General liability insurance = $53/month
• Business property insurance = $63/month
• Professional liability insurance = $46/month
• Workers’ compensation = $86/month
• Small business health insurance = $623/month, single coverage

What makes a daycare attractive to families?

When choosing a daycare center, families look for high-quality childcare programs that have the below characteristics: 

• Small class sizes with low child-to-teacher ratios
• Qualified and well-trained childcare staff with low turnover
• Highly experienced childcare director
• A safe and hygienic learning environment with age-appropriate curriculum
• Adequate learning materials and resources and nutritious foods
• Active family engagement
• Accreditation by relevant education associations

Learn more about daycare licensing regulations in your state

Daycare licensing requirements vary by state. Consult with your state's childcare licensing department or check out our guides below for more information:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

Take the first step to opening a daycare center today

Now that you know the general process of opening a daycare center, research the specific requirements for your state. A lot of work goes into opening a daycare business, but the time, money, and effort you invest will be returned to you through the change you bring to the families and children in your community.

Brightwheel is the complete solution for early education providers, enabling you to streamline your center’s operations and build a stand-out reputation. Brightwheel connects the most critical aspects of running your center—including sign in and out, parent communications, tuition billing, and licensing and compliance—in one easy-to-use tool, along with providing best-in-class customer support and coaching. Brightwheel is trusted by thousands of early education centers and millions of parents. Learn more at mybrightwheel.com .

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Capabilities

The requirements for opening a daycare — licenses, certifications and permits.

Owning a child care business can be a wonderful way to earn a living while making a difference in the lives of children. But there’s much more to establishing a daycare than many people know. You must develop a business plan and it’s vital that you thoroughly understand the rules that govern child care centers, including who needs a license. 

Regulations differ by state and federal rules must be followed as well, especially when it comes to serving food.

So – what certifications do you need to open a daycare? Let’s get started! 

What Licenses, Certifications, and Permits are Needed to Open a Daycare?

It depends on the type of daycare you plan to open. For example, if your daycare only accepts children whom you’re related to, such as your nieces and nephews or grandchildren, then you most likely are exempt from daycare licensing and regulations.

Child care businesses in the United States are regulated at the state level, so you’ll need to apply for a child care license or permit through the proper regulatory agency in your state. Most states offer several different types of child care licenses with more stringent requirements for center-based facilities and simpler requirements for home-based daycare businesses.

To obtain your child care license, you’ll need to get the site of your business approved by municipal zoning officers and health and safety officials. In most cases, a state employee will be assigned to help you understand and achieve compliance with child care laws in your state.

The type of daycare center you run, whether in-home or center-based, will affect the licenses you need to apply for and regulations your business needs to meet. Depending on your state, you may have to apply for permits to run a business in a commercial building. Daycares that operate out of private residences might not have to deal with this.

You might be exempt from licensing if you only plan to care for a very small group of children at one time or operate for only a few hours a day. Check with the licensing agency in your state to learn what’s allowed. 

Common Regulations For Daycare Centers

Although every state has its own specific set of regulations and licensing requirements, many rules are similar. Let’s take a look at the most common regulations for daycare centers, regardless of location.

Child-to-Provider Ratios

Every state has child-to-provider ratios that must be met. The exact nature of these ratios will vary depending on where you live and the type of daycare you operate.

For example, states like Rhode Island and Vermont allow a single child care provider to watch a maximum of 13 school-age children at once. But it’s legal for a single child care provider to watch up to 25 school-age children at one time in states including Florida, Georgia and Delaware.

Every state’s child-to-provider ratio changes depending on the age of the child being cared for. Although child care providers in Florida can care for up to 25 school age children at one time, only four of those children can be infants.

Research your state’s child-to-provider ratio for the ages of the children under your care — and do not exceed it.

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Health and Safety Regulations

As a child care provider, you have one main responsibility: keeping children out of harm’s way. Everything else — including helping them reach developmental milestones and teaching them how to interact with other kids — comes second.

That’s why state governments require child care programs to meet specific health and safety regulations. Here are a few general rules:

• Building Inspections: Most states want to make sure your center is safe and sanitary. Depending on where you live, you may need to submit to fire, pest and a host of other inspections reports.
• Adult Background Checks: The federal government requires all child care workers to undergo background checks , including fingerprinting. 
• Staff Training: You and your team also may need to pass training to become licensed, and commit to ongoing classes for the life of your business. For example, Idaho requires caregivers to complete four hours of training every 12 months.

Food and Snack Requirements

If you plan to serve food and drinks to the children who attend your daycare, you’ll need to meet specific requirements, especially if you’re seeking financial aid from the Child and Adult Care Food Program known as CACFP.

To qualify for CACFP benefits, you must prove the meals and snacks you serve meet the nutritional requirements set forth by the federal government. Some states require family child care homes and facilities to obtain a food license if they plan to prepare food for children. And preparing food could be defined by something as simple as chopping vegetables — so check your local regulations to see if even the most simple food-prep tasks require licensing.

Learn More About Daycare Certification Requirements In Your State

Check out this chart for details about regulations where you live:

You’re Licensed — What Else Do Yu Need to Do to Open a Daycare Business?

Making sure your business adheres to all licensing regulations and daycare requirements is the foundation of your business.

Then comes the work of getting your child care center open and effectively managing it. You have to hire employees, market your center, attract customers, run payroll, keep parents informed and a dozen other things. 

It can be overwhelming.

Procare Solutions has the tools to help you manage every part of your business after you’ve obtained your license. Sign up for a free demo today to see how Procare can simplify running your child care center. From attendance tracking and bookkeeping to parent engagement features, Procare can streamline your center’s operation onto a single platform so you can devote yourself to doing what you love — teaching the children in your care.

Request a Demo

Talk with a friendly Procare expert to get a tailored child care solution for the unique needs of your business.

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2024 Child Care Management Software Industry Trends

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah woodbury.

Leah Woodbury is the head of content at Procare Solutions. Her job includes writing about topics that matter to child care professionals and finding ways to help them do their important work. She’s a mom of two who loves getting updates about what her preschooler is doing during the day via the Procare child care mobile app!

Related Resources

Full guide to starting your own in-home daycare.

If you’re interested in starting your own in-home daycare business, this is the guide for you. We’ve created a step-by-step roadmap to help you.

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In-home daycare costs can vary significantly from state to state, from county to county, and even on a per facility basis. Learn what in-home care costs near you.

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Looking to start a child care business in Texas? Procare’s Texas daycare licensing guide will give you the most important information.

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If you’re a teacher, former teacher, or simply have years of experience caring for children — and an entrepreneurial streak — you might have considered starting your own day care center, either from home or in a dedicated facility. And at an expected job growth of 7% over the next decade, working in child care is a stable career choice. So, if you’re seriously wondering how to start a day care center, you’ve come to the right place.

As is the case starting a business in any industry, however, your passion for your craft alone — or, in this case, your students — isn’t quite enough to ensure that your day care business is copacetic, either financially or legally. You’ll need to do a good amount of due diligence when looking into how to start a day care business, paying special attention to licensing requirements, and ensuring that your facility and program aligns with your state’s health and safety codes.

If you’re a pro at educating, training, supporting and generally corralling large groups of small children, you should be pretty unperturbed by the work it takes to start a day care business. Here’s what you need to know.

How to start a day care business

Although every path toward starting a business looks different for every business owner, there are a few steps that every aspiring day care owner needs to think about when it comes to how to best start a day care.

1. Decide what kind of day care business you want to start

Before you can even get to writing a business plan for your day care business, you need to decide what kind you want to open. Look into whether you want to start a day care business at home, or whether you want a more commercial facility — there might be different permits required in your municipality depending on which you choose. You also need to decide what age groups you want to focus on.

Next up, you'll have to decide on a business entity, which will have huge effects on the way you're taxed and how you operate your day care business. Will you have partners or open your business on your own? Additionally, you'll want to consider whether you want a business entity that offers you some protection. Making your day care center a limited liability company might be a good move, since the business will take on liability should anything go wrong.

You might also decide to buy into a day care franchise opportunity. This option will significantly streamline the steps you need to take in opening your day care.

Once you narrow down these details about your business, you can move on to the next step in starting a day care business: writing a business plan.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

2. Write a day care business plan

This is a step you have to take when starting any business and it can be quite a bit of work, especially for anyone looking to get moving quickly on their business. When you start writing a business plan, start with an outline of all the things you want to include.

Your plan should include a summary, an overview of the company, a market analysis that includes an assessment of the need for a business like yours, a marketing and sales plan, and a financial plan along with financial projections. Don't worry, though, you can always add to it as your business grows.

One thing you should include, though, is market research. The last thing you want to do is go through all of these "how to start a day care business" steps, only to find that there isn't a market for one or that there are already too many day cares in that area to make it a viable business.

Your business plan should also include a budget. The costs associated with opening and running your day care center can never be accurately totaled, but nailing down a budget will give you some parameters to work within (and some peace of mind).

In your budget plan, don’t forget to factor in:

Your startup costs, including day care equipment, food, toys and educational tools, wages, insurance and licensing.

How much tuition you’ll charge.

Your predicted revenue over the next two to three years.

When you’ll break even.

Also know that day care centers can claim certain tax deductions, which can ease your annual financial burden.

You'll also want to include a marketing plan. If you’re seriously researching how to start a day care business, it’s likely that you’ve already been caring for children in your area for some time and have built up a network of local parents. That’s one valuable method of attracting customers (aka word of mouth) covered. Still, implementing even a basic marketing plan can help define and legitimize your business — and if you need to implement a waitlist as a result, that’s great too!

Your marketing efforts can be relatively simple and low-cost. You can start by creating a Facebook page for your day care center and building a business website, making sure to include your contact information and a little bit about your business. If possible, plan to include pictures of your facilities and testimonials from happy customers.

If you’re a fan of social media, it also can’t hurt to create an Instagram, LinkedIn and/or Twitter account to keep both current and prospective customers updated on your business. Just be sure that once you do, you receive permission from parents or guardians before posting pictures of their children, of course.

Analog marketing techniques would work well here, too. If possible, consider distributing flyers or brochures to nearby libraries, schools, places of worship or any other local gathering spots.

3. Obtain the necessary certification and licenses

You may not need a master’s degree in education to become a day care teacher, but each state does require some combination of licensing and certification when it comes to how to start a day care. Visit your state’s Division of Child Care Services (or its equivalent) to find out the training, experience and credentials you need to legally operate a day care facility.

In New York State, for instance, the head of the day care facility must have one of the following:

An associate degree in early childhood education or an equivalent.

A CDA credential (child development associate) and at least two years of experience caring for children.

A high school diploma and at least three years’ experience caring for children.

You'll probably find that there are some other requirements that usually come up when you're looking up how to start a day care business at home or in another facility. Your state may require that you and any staff you hire are CPR-certified, for one. Another point of safety to remember is that you should be trained in at least basic first aid for children. You and your staff might also need to be fingerprinted and undergo background checks before being cleared for work.

Even if your state doesn’t require that you obtain a license, you should consider doing so, as your licensing course will go over all the boxes you need to check to operate your day care in your state — including health and safety regulations, proper food preparation and the required child-to-adult ratio.

4. Find a (safe) day care facility

In certain states, in order to obtain the proper licenses or registration to start your day care business, you’ll first need to show that your day care facility meets your state’s health and safety requirements.

So whether you choose to open your day care facility in your own home, or buy or lease a new property, you’ll need to make sure your facility meets zoning, fire, and health and safety laws. When it comes to how to start a day care at home, you may need to make alterations to your house to comply with day care requirements in your state, so be sure to factor them into your budget.

5. Get insured

Another requirement for obtaining your license? Getting insured. In certain states, you’ll need to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services to run your day care center, but to do so, you’ll first need liability insurance.

The exception is home-based day care centers, which don’t need insurance to be licensed by the DHHS. Still, those opening day care centers at home should seriously consider obtaining small business insurance. You always run the risk of a lawsuit when you’re running your own business, but that risk increases when caring for other people’s children — so protect yourself whenever possible.

There are several types of insurance that cover day care businesses — general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, property insurance, abuse and molestation insurance and others — so contact an insurance broker to help you decide which coverage is best for your business.

6. Get a business checking account and credit card

Get a business credit card and a business checking account early on to help you keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses when first starting a day care.

It’s crucial to separate your personal and business expenses for many reasons, not the least of which is to reduce your (or your accountant’s) burden come tax season. It’s simply the most professional way to conduct your business, too. Set yourself up for success now by signing up for a business credit card and opening a business bank account, and be diligent about using both solely for your day care’s finances.

Having a business credit card can help you increase your business credit score, too. By paying the card off on time — or early if you can — you can boost your score, which will help you late on when you need a loan or other financing for your day care business.

7. Get financing

Most entrepreneurs bootstrap their businesses at the beginning, as it’s difficult for brand-new businesses with limited credit history to secure a business loan, either from a bank or from an alternative lender.

Your financing options aren’t limited to your own purse strings (or your friends’ and family’s). Here are a few other ways to get funding and loans for a child care business:

SBA microloan

Although most SBA loans are available only to businesses with a few years of experience under their belts, SBA microloans are actually designed to help startups get off the ground. They’re especially accessible to women, veterans, minorities and business owners in low-income areas. And unlike most other SBA loan programs, SBA microloans are disbursed by nonprofit lenders, rather than banks.

As the name suggests, SBA microloans tend to be on the smaller side, with amounts capped at $50,000, but they may be as low as $500. (For more context, the average microloan amount was $14,000 in 2017.) And because microloans are designed for new businesses, business owners with average or even challenged credit may still be accepted, as long as other aspects of their SBA loan applications are in good shape.

SBA community advantage

These loans from the SBA have all of the advantages that come with SBA microloans but the community advantage loans are specifically for businesses that are serving traditionally underserved communities. These loans are generally for a higher dollar amount than the microloans and can go a bit further for your business.

Government grants

You might be able to obtain financial assistance to start and run your day care through state or federal funding programs for early childhood education providers. For instance, you can contact your state’s Child Care and Development Fund Plan to look into startup funds, or your state’s school meal contacts to seek funding for your day care center’s meals.

Take a look at the Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Care’s list for a more comprehensive overview of federal and state financing programs for child care centers .

Business credit card

It’s important to use a business credit card to keep your day care’s expenses separate from your own. Of course, using a credit card is also the most convenient way to pay for your daily expenses. And since credit limits for business credit cards tend to exceed those of consumer cards, you can spend more liberally without worrying about maxing out your card.

Another bonus? Using your business card responsibly (by which we mostly mean paying off your balance in full and on time, every month) can help you build business credit. And with a healthy business credit score, you’re in a better position to secure business loans with great terms down the line.

If you opt for a card with a long 0% intro APR period, you can essentially use that introductory grace period as an interest-free loan. Look into the American Express Blue Business Plus card, which, at 12 months, carries one of the longest interest-free introductory periods in a business credit card right now.

After your 12 interest-free months are up, though, a variable APR kicks in at a rate depending on your creditworthiness and the market. Check the issuer's terms and conditions for the latest APR information.

8. Hire staff

You may be planning on running your day care facility solo, but depending on your state and the number of children you’re looking after, that might not be an option — every state sets a required ratio of staff to children to ensure that every child receives adequate care. They also dictate the maximum number of children permitted in a group.

Adult-to-child ratios and class sizes depend on the age of the children, but they might also depend on the size of the day care facility, or face further restrictions based on municipality. For a day care center in New York state, for example, the state requires one adult for six children under school age. However, in New York City, there must be two teachers or one teacher and one assistant to every six children aged 2 to 3, with a maximum of 12 students allowed in a single group. Your own children may or may not be included in that count, too.

So, while hiring really depends upon your state’s requirements, it makes sense to leave room for hiring staff in your business budget. That way, you’ll be prepared for growth, without worrying about your operation shutting down because you’re not properly prepared for it. (Just keep in mind that any staff you hire needs to be appropriately licensed or trained for it, and potentially undergo a background check.)

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9. Write your day care contract and policies

To further legally protect your business, it’s crucial that you draw up a contract, write out your day care policies, and require that potential clients (or, more likely, the parents of potential clients) review and sign both documents before accepting their patronage.

If you're just starting to read up on how to start a day care business, you might not be clear on the distinction between these two documents. To clarify, your contract is the document stating that you’ll provide child care, be compensated for providing care according to the payment terms you specify, and have the right to terminate providing care.

Your policies, on the other hand, provide parents with important logistical information regarding how you’ll run your day care center. There, you can outline protocol regarding vacation, illness, inclement weather, drop-off and pickup times, curriculum, field trips, and anything else you believe is important for your clients to understand and agree to about your day care center.

On a similar note...

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Start by selecting a paper from your project that you want to critically read.

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Use the customisable critique template to make a list of the things that you want to know and what questions to ask yourself as you read.

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About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Gerrit Becker, Luca Bennici, Anamika Bhargava, Andrea Del Miglio , Jeffrey Lewis , and Pankaj Sachdeva, representing views from McKinsey Technology.

While many organizations’ climate goals are lofty, enterprise technology leaders—CIOs, chief digital innovation officers (CDIOs), and chief technology officers (CTOs), among others—have not always succeeded at turning climate ambitions into reality. One of the biggest reasons is that hard facts and clear paths of action are scarce. Misconceptions and misinformation have clouded the picture of what CIOs and tech leaders should do.

We have done extensive analysis of where technology can have the biggest impact on reducing emissions. To start, we divided technology’s role into two primary types of activities:

• offense—the use of technology and analytics to cut emissions by reducing (improving operational efficiency), replacing (shifting emission-generating activities to cleaner alternatives), and reusing (recycling material)
• defense—the actions IT can take to reduce emissions from the enterprise’s technology estate

Scope of the McKinsey analysis

McKinsey’s emissions analysis for this report focuses on enterprise technology emissions, which are the business IT emissions from the hardware, software, IT services, enterprise communications equipment, mobile devices, fixed and mobile network services, and internal technology teams that a company uses for its own operations and that a CIO has control over. These include the emissions related to the full life cycles of the products and services that an enterprise IT function uses, including their development, delivery, usage, and end of life (exhibit). Our internal services emissions' analysis assumes around 40 percent of IT workers are working from home.

The analysis does not include the emissions from the technology products and services that a company is selling (such as data center capacity sold by hyperscalers), operational technology devices (such as sensors and point-of-sale systems), and cryptocurrency mining.

The defense activities are where the CIO, as the head of IT, can act independently and quickly. This article focuses on defense, specifically the IT elements over which a CIO has direct control. We examined emissions from use of electricity for owned enterprise IT operations, such as the running of on-premises data centers and devices (classified as scope 2 by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 1 Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions: Supplement to the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting & Reporting Standard , World Resources Institute & World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2013. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from the activities of an organization or under their control, including fuel combustion on site such as gas boilers, fleet vehicles, and air-conditioning leaks; scope 2 emissions are from electricity purchased and used by the organization; and scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions not included in scope 2 that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions. ), and indirect emissions from technology devices that the CIO buys and disposes of (scope 3). 2 These calculations do not include emissions from technology-driven services sold, such as cloud capacity. (See sidebar, “Scope of the McKinsey analysis.”)

What the facts say

Our analysis has uncovered several facts that contravene some commonly held views about enterprise technology emissions. These facts involve the significant amount of tech-related emissions, the share of emissions from end-user devices, the variety of mitigation options available, and the favorable impact of shifting to cloud computing.

Enterprise technology generates significant emissions

Enterprise technology is responsible for emitting about 350 to 400 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent gases (CO 2 e), accounting for about 1 percent of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At first blush, this might not seem like a lot, but it equals about half of the emissions from aviation or shipping and is the equivalent of the total carbon emitted by the United Kingdom.

The industry sector that contributes the largest share of technology-related scope 2 and scope 3 GHG emissions is communications, media, and services (Exhibit 1). Enterprise technology’s contribution to total emissions is especially high for insurance (45 percent of total scope 2 emissions) and for banking and investment services (36 percent).

This amount of carbon dioxide and equivalent gases is a significant prize for companies under increasing pressure to cut emissions. Progress on climate change requires action on many fronts, and enterprise technology offers an important option that CIOs and companies can act on quickly.

You’re invited

To a McKinsey Technology webinar on the critical role of technology in building a sustainable enterprise on October 25, 9:30–10:30am ET.

The biggest carbon culprit is end-user devices, not on-premises data centers

End-user devices—laptops, tablets, smartphones, and printers—generate 1.5 to 2.0 times more carbon globally than data centers (Exhibit 2). 3 On-premises and co-located data centers used by enterprises, not including data center capacity sold by hyperscalers. One reason is that companies have significantly more end-user devices than servers in on-premises data centers. In addition, the devices typically are replaced much more often: smartphones have an average refresh cycle of two years, laptops four years, and printers five years. On average, servers are replaced every five years, though 19 percent of organizations wait longer. 4 Rhona Ascierto and Andy Lawrence, Uptime Institute global data center survey 2020 , Uptime Institute, July 2020.

More worrisome, emissions from end-user devices are on track to increase at a CAGR of 12.8 percent per year. 5 End-user computing market: Growth, trends, COVID-19 impact, and forecasts (2022–2027) , Mordor Intelligence, January 2022. Efforts to address this could target the major causes of emissions from these devices. About three-fourths of the emissions comes from manufacturing, upstream transportation, and disposal. A significant source of these emissions is the semiconductors that power the devices.

Plenty of low-cost/high-impact options exist, starting with improved sourcing

We have found that when it comes to going green, many CIOs think in terms of investments needed to replace items or upgrade facilities. Our analysis, however, finds that CIOs can capture significant carbon benefits without making a significant investment—and in some cases can even save money (Exhibit 3).

Overall, for example, 50 to 60 percent of emissions related to end-user devices can be addressed through sourcing changes, primarily by procuring fewer devices per person and extending the life cycle of each device through recycling. These options will not require any investment and will lower costs, though companies may want to evaluate the impact on employee experience.

In addition, companies can more aggressively recycle their devices; 89 percent of organizations recycle less than 10 percent of their hardware overall. 6 Sustainable IT: Why it’s time for a green revolution for your organization’s IT , Capgemini Research Institute, 2021. CIOs can put pressure on suppliers to use greener devices, especially as companies in the semiconductor sector are already increasing their commitments to emission reduction. Further low-cost, high-impact actions include optimizing business travel and data center computing needs, as well as increasing the use of cloud to manage workloads.

Moving to cloud has more impact than optimizing data centers

Optimizing an on-premises data center’s power usage effectiveness (PUE) 7 PUE describes how efficiently a computer data center uses energy, expressed as the ratio of total facility energy to IT equipment energy. is expensive and results in limited carbon abatement. If a company were to double what it spends on infrastructure and cloud to reduce PUE, it would cut carbon emissions by only 15 to 20 percent. Structural improvements in data centers and optimized layout can help, but the impact is limited, and many companies have already implemented them. More aggressive measures, such as moving data centers to cooler locations or investing in new cooling tech, are prohibitively expensive.

A more effective approach is to migrate workloads to the cloud. Hyperscalers (also known as cloud service providers) and co-locators are investing significantly to become greener through measures such as buying green energy themselves and investing in ultra-efficient data centers with a PUE equal to or less than 1.10, compared with the average PUE of 1.57 for an on-premises data center. 8 “Uptime Institute 11th annual Global Data Center Survey shows sustainability, outage, and efficiency challenges amid capacity growth,” Uptime Institute, September 14, 2021. (We estimate that companies could achieve just a 1.3 PUE score for their data center if they invested nearly 250 percent more, on average, over what they currently spend for their data centers and cloud presence.)

With thoughtful migration to and optimized usage of the cloud, companies could reduce the carbon emissions from their data centers by more than 55 percent—about 40 megatons of CO 2 e worldwide, the equivalent of the total carbon emissions from Switzerland.

Three steps to take now

With companies and governments under intensifying pressure to cut carbon emissions and with technology playing a key role in delivering on those goals, CIOs will find themselves on the front lines. The challenge will be to reduce IT’s carbon footprint while delivering high-quality, low-cost technology services to customers and employees.

On average, completion of the defensive steps might take three to four years. However, CIOs who act decisively and precisely can achieve 15 to 20 percent of carbon reduction potential in the first year with minimal investment.

CIOs can choose from among a wide array responses, particularly in conjunction with the CEO and the board. However, three measures they can take right now will prepare the organization for longer-term efforts. These measures involve sourcing strategies, key metrics, and a performance management system.

The net-zero transition: What it would cost, what it could bring

Move now on sourcing strategies.

Far and away the fastest and most effective defensive measure for reducing IT carbon emissions is to revise policies for technology sourcing. Optimizing the number of devices in line with standards followed by companies in the top quartile 9 Top quartile in terms of the ratio of devices to people is derived from the number of devices per person. Our analysis uses McKinsey Digital’s Ignite solutions and 2020 data. would reduce about 30 percent of end-user-device emissions, the amount of carbon emitted by Hong Kong. For example, top-quartile companies have one printer for every 16 people in the workplace; the overall average is one printer per eight people.

This sourcing shift does not necessarily lead to a degradation in user experience, because the rollout of 5G and increasingly advanced processing and compute power allow the main processing function to happen at the server. Therefore, devices can be less powerful and consume much less energy. Essentially, this is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model where high-end and user-friendly experiences happen on the server, not the device. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on having stable networks, less resource-intensive coding at the device level, edge computing capabilities, and shifts of offerings to more efficient platforms (for example, cloud).

As part of this effort, the CIO and the business’s head of procurement will need to collaborate on reviewing and adjusting device refresh timelines and device-to-person ratios, as well as adjusting the basis for purchasing decisions. Procurement generally relies on cost/benefit calculations, and rightly so. That approach will need to expand to account for carbon dioxide emissions. The spirit of collaboration should extend to suppliers as well, with the parties working together to formulate plans that provide the greatest benefits for all.

A more thoughtful sourcing strategy extends beyond end-user devices. CIOs, for example, should look for green sources of the electricity IT uses. When these sources are unavailable, CIOs can direct procurement to power purchase agreements to offset carbon use. CIOs can also set green standards for their vendors and suppliers, requiring GHG emissions disclosures and incorporating them into their criteria for purchase decisions.

Establish a green ROI metric for technology costs

Any real progress on green technology can happen only when companies measure their “green returns.” But today, most green metrics omit cost and savings, which ultimately makes them impractical. A better metric focuses on cost per ton of carbon saved (accounting for costs saved as well). Sophisticated models calculate emissions throughout the full life cycle, including production, transportation, and disposal.

CIOs can further assess suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers based on how advanced they are in recycling and refurbishing electronics; designing circular components; extending product life cycles with better design, higher-quality manufacturing, and more robust materials; offering repair services; and reselling to consumers.

Decisions about IT spending need to consider a range of factors, including technical debt abatement and business strategy. Along with these factors, companies should institutionalize a green ROI metric that is transparent to everybody in the business as an element in IT decision making, including in requests for proposals (RFPs). Doing so will enable companies to better understand the true impact their technology is having on carbon emissions.

Put in place green measurement systems

Establishing a green ROI metric is only a start. CIOs need to establish a baseline of performance, measure progress against the baseline, and track impact in near real time, much as companies track real-time computer and network usage for applications in the cloud. This kind of measuring system ensures that CIOs know what’s working and what isn’t, so they can adjust quickly.

In practice, implementing green measurement can be challenging. Some companies have spent a year measuring their carbon footprint, ending up with an outdated analysis. This tends to happen when companies are determined to measure every bit of carbon emitted, a praiseworthy but time-consuming effort. CIOs can make substantial progress by instead prioritizing measurement where the impact is highest, such as tracking the number of end-user devices purchased and in use, the current duration of use for each device, and the ratio of devices per user. Another way CIOs can make quick progress is to embed emissions- and power-monitoring capabilities into large technology assets and work with external providers, such as electricity companies, to track usage in real time.

Effectively combating climate change won’t happen through one or two big wins; those don’t exist yet. To have real impact, companies and governments will need to act in many areas. Technology has a huge role to play in many of these areas, but CIOs and tech leaders need to act quickly and decisively.

This article is the first in a series about how CIOs can reduce emissions. The next article will explore how CIOs can drive the business’s sustainability agenda by playing offense and implementing reduce, replace, and reuse levers to decarbonize.

Gerrit Becker is an associate partner in McKinsey’s Frankfurt office, Luca Bennici is an associate partner in the Dubai office, Anamika Bhargava is a consultant in the Toronto office, Andrea Del Miglio is a senior partner in the Milan office, Jeffrey Lewis is a senior partner in the New Jersey office, and Pankaj Sachdeva is a partner in the Philadelphia office.

The authors wish to thank Bernardo Betley, Arjita Bhan, Raghuvar Choppakatla, Sebastian Hoffmann, Abdelrahman Mahfouz, Tom Pütz, Jürgen Sailer, Tim Vroman, Alice Yu, and Gisella Zapata for their contributions to this article.

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Solar Storm Intensifies, Filling Skies With Northern Lights

Officials warned of potential blackouts or interference with navigation and communication systems this weekend, as well as auroras as far south as Southern California or Texas.

By Katrina Miller and Judson Jones

Katrina Miller reports on space and astronomy and Judson Jones is a meteorologist.

A dramatic blast from the sun set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere on Friday that is expected to make the northern lights visible as far south as Florida and Southern California and could interfere with power grids, communications and navigations system.

It is the strongest such storm to reach Earth since Halloween of 2003. That one was strong enough to create power outages in Sweden and damage transformers in South Africa.

The effects could continue through the weekend as a steady stream of emissions from the sun continues to bombard the planet’s magnetic field.

The solar activity is so powerful that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors space weather, issued an unusual storm watch for the first time in 19 years, which was then upgraded to a warning. The agency began observing outbursts on the sun’s surface on Wednesday, with at least five heading in the direction of Earth.

“What we’re expecting over the next couple of days should be more significant than what we’ve seen certainly so far,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said at a news conference on Friday morning.

For people in many places, the most visible part of the storm will be the northern lights, known also as auroras. But authorities and companies will also be on the lookout for the event’s effects on infrastructure, like global positioning systems, radio communications and even electrical power.

While the northern lights are most often seen in higher latitudes closer to the North Pole, people in many more parts of the world are already getting a show this weekend that could last through the early part of next week.

As Friday turned to Saturday in Europe, people across the continent described skies hued in a mottling of colors.

Alfredo Carpineti , an astrophysicist, journalist and author in North London, saw them with his husband from the rooftop of their apartment building.

“It is incredible to be able to see the aurora directly from one’s own backyard,” he said. “I was hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of green on the horizon, but it was all across the sky in both green and purple.”

Here’s what you need to know about this weekend’s solar event.

How will the storm affect people on Earth?

A geomagnetic storm watch or warning indicates that space weather may affect critical infrastructure on or orbiting near Earth. It may introduce additional current into systems, which could damage pipelines, railroad tracks and power lines.

According to Joe Llama, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, communications that rely on high frequency radio waves, such as ham radio and commercial aviation , are most likely to suffer. That means it is unlikely that your cellphone or car radio, which depend on much higher frequency radio waves, will conk out.

Still, it is possible for blackouts to occur. As with any power outage, you can prepare by keeping your devices charged and having access to backup batteries, generators and radio.

The most notable solar storm recorded in history occurred in 1859. Known as the Carrington Event, it lasted for nearly a week, creating aurora that stretched down to Hawaii and Central America and impacting hundreds of thousands of miles of telegraph lines.

But that was technology of the 19th century, used before scientists fully understood how solar activity disrupted Earth’s atmosphere and communication systems.

“That was an extreme level event,” said Shawn Dahl, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “We are not anticipating that.”

Unlike tornado watches and warnings, the target audience for NOAA’s announcements is not the public.

“For most people here on planet Earth, they won’t have to do anything,” said Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The goal of the announcements is to give agencies and companies that operate this infrastructure time to put protection measures in place to mitigate any effects.

“If everything is working like it should, the grid will be stable and they’ll be able to go about their daily lives,” Mr. Steenburgh said.

Will I be able to see the northern lights?

It is possible that the northern lights may grace the skies this week over places that don’t usually see them. The best visibility is outside the bright lights of cities.

Clouds or stormy weather could pose a problem in some places. But if the skies are clear, even well south of where the aurora is forecast to take place, snap a picture or record a video with your cellphone. The sensor on the camera is more sensitive to the wavelengths produced by the aurora and may produce an image you can’t see with the naked eye.

Another opportunity could be viewing sunspots during the daytime, if your skies are clear. As always, do not look directly at the sun without protection. But if you still have your eclipse glasses lying around from the April 8 event, you may try to use them to try to spot the cluster of sunspots causing the activity.

How strong is the current geomagnetic storm?

Giant explosions on the surface of the sun, known as coronal mass ejections, send streams of energetic particles into space. But the sun is large, and such outbursts may not cross our planet as it travels around the star. But when these particles create a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, it is known as a geomagnetic storm.

NOAA classifies these storms on a “G” scale of 1 to 5, with G1 being minor and G5 being extreme. The most extreme storms can cause widespread blackouts and damage to infrastructure on Earth. Satellites may also have trouble orienting themselves or sending or receiving information during these events.

The current storm is classified as G5, or “extreme.” It is caused by a cluster of sunspots — dark, cool regions on the solar surface — that is about 16 times the diameter of Earth. The cluster is flaring and ejecting material every six to 12 hours.

“We anticipate that we’re going to get one shock after another through the weekend,” said Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Why is this happening now?

The sun’s activity ebbs and flows on an 11-year cycle, and right now, it is approaching a solar maximum. Three other severe geomagnetic storms have been observed so far in the current activity cycle, which began in December 2019, but none were predicted to cause effects strong enough on Earth to warrant a watch or warning announcement.

The cluster of sunspots generating the current storm is the largest seen in this solar cycle, NOAA officials said. They added that the activity in this cycle has outperformed initial predictions .

More flares and expulsions from this cluster are expected, but because of the sun’s rotation the cluster will be oriented in a position less likely to affect Earth. In the coming weeks, the sunspots may appear again on the left side of the sun, but it is difficult for scientists to predict whether this will cause another bout of activity.

“Usually, these don’t come around packing as much of a punch as they did originally,” Mr. Dahl said. “But time will tell on that.”

Jonathan O’Callaghan contributed reporting from London.

An earlier version of this article misstated the radio frequencies used by cellphones and car radios. They are higher frequencies, not low.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

Judson Jones is a meteorologist and reporter for The Times who forecasts and covers extreme weather. More about Judson Jones

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