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The Dynastic Benefits of Early Childhood Education: Participant Benefits and Family Spillovers

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  • Jorge Luis García
  • Frederik H. Bennhoff
  • Duncan Ermini Leaf

Abstract

We demonstrate the social efficiency of investing in high-quality early childhood education using newly collected data from the HighScope Perry Preschool Project. The data analyzed are the longest follow-up of any randomized early childhood education program. Annual observations of participant outcomes up to midlife allow us to provide a cost-benefit analysis without relying on forecasts. Adult outcomes on the participants' children and siblings allow us to quantify spillover benefits. The program generates a benefit-cost ratio of 6.0 (p-value = 0.03). Spillover benefits increase this ratio to 7.5 (p-value = 0.00).

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Luis García & Frederik H. Bennhoff & Duncan Ermini Leaf, 2023. "The Dynastic Benefits of Early Childhood Education: Participant Benefits and Family Spillovers," NBER Working Papers 31555, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31555
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • H43 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Project Evaluation; Social Discount Rate
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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