The Wait List as Redistributive Policy: Access and Burdens in the Subsidized Childcare System
In the article, researchers examines how administrative burdens in waitlist management for subsidized childcare in Massachusetts have led to significant reductions in the number of families awaiting assistance, potentially obscuring the true extent of unmet need.
This study explores the role of waitlists as a form of administrative burden within the U.S. social safety net, focusing on Massachusetts’ subsidized childcare program.
Between 2013 and 2018, the state’s waitlist decreased by 75%, from nearly 60,000 to 15,000 families. The research attributes this decline to increased administrative hurdles implemented after state officials questioned the competence of the Early Education and Care (EEC) Department. These measures led to the deactivation of thousands of cases monthly, disproportionately affecting Black, Hispanic, and immigrant communities. The article argues that such administrative practices not only limit access to essential services but also render the actual demand for assistance less visible, thereby influencing public perception and policy decisions regarding social welfare programs.
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