Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
Working Paper Series,
IFAU - Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy
No 2018:19: Universal preschool programs and long-term child outcomes: A systematic review
Jens Dietrichson (), Ida Lykke Kristiansen () and Bjørn C. V. Nielsen ()
Additional contact information
Jens Dietrichson: VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Postal: VIVE–The Danish Center for Social Science Research,Herluf Trolles gade 11, DK 1052 Copenhagen, Denmark
Ida Lykke Kristiansen: University of Copenhagen, Postal: Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, building 26, , DK 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
Bjørn C. V. Nielsen: VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Postal: VIVE–The Danish Center for Social Science Research,Herluf Trolles gade 11, DK 1052 Copenhagen, Denmark
Abstract: What are the long-term effects of universal preschool programs on child outcomes? We review 26 studies using natural experiments to estimate the effects of universal preschool programs for children aged 0-6 years on child outcomes measured from third grade to adulthood. Studies comparing preschool with parental, family, or other informal modes of care show mixed effects on test scores, and on measures related to health, well-being, and behavior. However, all estimates for outcomes related to adequate primary and secondary school progression, years of schooling, highest degree completed, employment, and earnings indicate beneficial average effects of universal preschool programs. Three of the included studies calculate benefits-to-costs ratios and find ratios clearly above one. Universal preschool tends to be more beneficial for children with low socioeconomic status, and there are not consistently different effects for boys or girls. Only three studies compare two alternative types of universal preschool programs in terms of long-term outcomes.
Keywords: universal preschool; long-term effects; child outcomes; systematic review
JEL-codes: I00; I20; I24; I38; J24; Z18
83 pages, November 23, 2018
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