Article type
Abstract
"Background: In October 2023, the local government of Koriyama City, Japan, implemented a significant change to its daycare center allocation policies achieving fair allocation among siblings and singles. This policy revision was guided by the insights of experts, aiming to ease the family burden and improve access to childcare services.
Objective: The objective was to determine based on algorithmic simulations how best to update the existing policy such that a larger number of siblings can attend the same facility, while maintaining the fair access to childcare services for other families without siblings. Our team of economics and data scientists worked closely with city officials to determine the exact detail of the policy change. In addition, to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy change, we worked with city officials to administer a post-implementation survey to day care applicants living in Koriyama City.
Methods: An advanced matching algorithm was used to perform detailed simulations, drawing on two years of comprehensive data on children, daycare centers, and parental preferences. By comparing the allocation outcomes for applicants with siblings to those for individual applicants under similar conditions, we determine the best possible scenario for updating policies to achieve the fair outcomes.
Results: Our analysis uncovered non-negligible inequities under the former policy for family with siblings, prompting the creation of a more fair scoring system for daycare allocations. This evidence-based proposal was presented to city officials and after a series of discussions and careful evaluation, was adopted and implemented. Initial post-implementation assessments showed that a significant portion of the community was informed about the new rules, with a few families adjusting their application behaviors.
Conclusions: Implementing an evidence-informed process signifies a considerable advancement in addressing childcare access challenges. This strategy not only reduces the burden of families with multiple children but also highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in public policy.
Relevance to Researchers and Practitioners: This presentation highlights the collaboration between experts and city officials in using evidence-informed decision-making, offering insights into overcoming common challenges.
Public and Consumer Involvement: Post-implementation feedback from the residents was essential for evaluating the program and guiding future adjustments.
"
Objective: The objective was to determine based on algorithmic simulations how best to update the existing policy such that a larger number of siblings can attend the same facility, while maintaining the fair access to childcare services for other families without siblings. Our team of economics and data scientists worked closely with city officials to determine the exact detail of the policy change. In addition, to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy change, we worked with city officials to administer a post-implementation survey to day care applicants living in Koriyama City.
Methods: An advanced matching algorithm was used to perform detailed simulations, drawing on two years of comprehensive data on children, daycare centers, and parental preferences. By comparing the allocation outcomes for applicants with siblings to those for individual applicants under similar conditions, we determine the best possible scenario for updating policies to achieve the fair outcomes.
Results: Our analysis uncovered non-negligible inequities under the former policy for family with siblings, prompting the creation of a more fair scoring system for daycare allocations. This evidence-based proposal was presented to city officials and after a series of discussions and careful evaluation, was adopted and implemented. Initial post-implementation assessments showed that a significant portion of the community was informed about the new rules, with a few families adjusting their application behaviors.
Conclusions: Implementing an evidence-informed process signifies a considerable advancement in addressing childcare access challenges. This strategy not only reduces the burden of families with multiple children but also highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in public policy.
Relevance to Researchers and Practitioners: This presentation highlights the collaboration between experts and city officials in using evidence-informed decision-making, offering insights into overcoming common challenges.
Public and Consumer Involvement: Post-implementation feedback from the residents was essential for evaluating the program and guiding future adjustments.
"