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Can't Buy Mommy's Love? Universal Childcare and Children's Long-Term Cognitive Development

Author

Listed:
  • Christina Felfe
  • Natalia Nollenberger
  • Núria Rodríguez-Planas

Abstract

What happens to children’s long-run cognitive development when introducing universal high-quality childcare for 3-year olds mainly crowds out maternal care? To answer this question we exploit a natural experiment framework and employ a difference-in-difference approach. We find sizable improvements in children’s reading and math skills at age 15, as well as in grade progression during primary and secondary school. Effects are driven by girls and disadvantaged children.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Felfe & Natalia Nollenberger & Núria Rodríguez-Planas, 2013. "Can't Buy Mommy's Love? Universal Childcare and Children's Long-Term Cognitive Development," CESifo Working Paper Series 4069, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4069
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    universal high-quality childcare; long-term consequences; cognitive skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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