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Head Start Access: No Evidence of Changes to Lifetime Fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Esra Kose
  • Siobhan O'Keefe
  • Maria Rosales-Rueda

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of early childhood access to the Head Start program on long-term fertility outcomes. Using a difference-in-difference methodology, we exploit the staggered rollout of Head Start from 1966 to 1980 across US counties for women born between 1955 and 1975. Our analysis, based on extensive and intensive fertility measures, reveals no significant impact of Head Start access on either the likelihood of having children or the total number of children born before age 45. These findings contribute to the literature on the socioeconomic outcomes of War on Poverty programs, particularly regarding adult fertility choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Esra Kose & Siobhan O'Keefe & Maria Rosales-Rueda, 2025. "Head Start Access: No Evidence of Changes to Lifetime Fertility," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 115, pages 108-113, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:115:y:2025:p:108-13
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20251099
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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