; (3) ensure that the results of research and related development efforts are reflected in the conduct of programs affecting children through the improvement and expansion of child care and early learning programs; and (4) develop, test, and disseminate information on new ideas for addressing the needs of low-income and underserved children (including children with disabilities, homeless children, children who have been abused or neglected, and children in foster care) and their families and communities, and furthering in other ways the purposes of this title. (b) Specific objectives The research, demonstration, and evaluation activities under this title shall include components designed to— (1) permit ongoing assessment of the quality and effectiveness of the child care and early learning programs under this title; (2) contribute to developing knowledge concerning factors associated with the quality and effectiveness of child care and early learning programs and in identifying ways in which services provided under this title may be improved; (3) assist in developing knowledge concerning the factors that promote or inhibit healthy development and effective functioning of children and their families, including physical, mental, vision, and oral health, both during and following participation in a child care and early learning program; (4) permit comparisons of children and families participating in child care and early learning programs— (A) with children and families receiving other child care, or early childhood education and development, services or programs; and (B) with other appropriate control groups; (5) contribute to understanding the characteristics and needs of population groups eligible for services provided under this title and the impact of such services on the individuals served and the service areas in which such services are provided; (6) provide for disseminating and promoting the use of the findings from such research, demonstration, and evaluation activities