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Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel

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  • Elad DeMalach
  • Analia Schlosser

Abstract

We estimate the causal impacts of universal preschool by leveraging a quasi-experimental design based on Israel's implementation of free public preschool for children ages 3 and 4 beginning in September 1999. We focus on the Arab population, who were the main beneficiaries of the first phase of the law's implementation. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) research design, we find that universal preschool enhanced individuals' academic performance from elementary school through high school, improved the learning environment, and increased postsecondary enrollment. Additional benefits include reduced juvenile delinquency among males and decreased early marriage among females.

Suggested Citation

  • Elad DeMalach & Analia Schlosser, 2026. "Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 18(2), pages 404-440, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:18:y:2026:i:2:p:404-40
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20240044
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    Cited by:

    1. Melanie Jones & Ezgi Kaya & Suzanna Nesom, 2026. "Does Free Pre-school Childcare Increase Parental Employment?," Discussion Papers 26/03, Department of Economics, University of York.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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