Studies have shown that one's earning potential is closely tied to educational attainment, with higher levels of education typically resulting in higher incomes. Thus, fathers who have not completed high school face a major economic disadvantage when trying to provide for their families. In addition, they are less likely to support academic achievement or provide academic experiences for their children.

Given the increasing numbers of dual-working and single-parent families, it is more important than ever for parents to have quality child care available for their children. Quality child care can greatly impact the cognitive, language, social, and emotional development of children, enabling them to enter school ready to learn.

Mothers with lower education levels read to their children less and tell fewer stories than mothers with higher levels of education. In addition, the children of mothers with less than a high school education are less likely to have letter recognition and counting skills when 3-5 years of age.

Children are placed in foster care when it has been determined that it is not safe for them to remain at home due to a risk of abuse or neglect. Children in foster care are more likely than other children to display high levels of behavioral and emotional problems, as well as lower levels of academic achievement and involvement. They may also be in poorer health.

Research has shown that a mother’s age at time of birth is significantly related to her child’s well-being. Children of teen mothers are likely to face economic disadvantages. In addition, they are more likely - than children of older mothers - to experience academic and social problems. Teen mothers are at greater risk of having babies with a low birthweight, and are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care.