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Effects of high versus low-quality preschool education: A longitudinal study in Mauritius

Author

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  • Morabito, Christian
  • Van de gaer, Dirk
  • Figueroa, José Luis
  • Vandenbroeck, Michel

Abstract

We report on a randomized controlled experiment in Mauritius by the Joint Child Health Project. This longitudinal study followed a cohort of children from different socio-economic backgrounds to examine educational outcomes among children in high and low-quality preschools. The findings show that quality of preschool education had no significant effect on children's overall educational attainment. However, academic performance of children in the experimental group was higher for children with poorly educated fathers, but lower for children with poorly educated mothers. Hence, the effects of high-quality preschool education worked in opposing directions—equalizing by compensating for the effect of father's level of education, and disequalizing by reinforcing the effect of mother's level of education.

Suggested Citation

  • Morabito, Christian & Van de gaer, Dirk & Figueroa, José Luis & Vandenbroeck, Michel, 2018. "Effects of high versus low-quality preschool education: A longitudinal study in Mauritius," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 126-137.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:65:y:2018:i:c:p:126-137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2018.06.006
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    2. Aomar Ibourk & Karim El Aynaoui & Tayeb Ghazi, 2023. "Exploration multiniveaux des causes de la pauvreté des apprentissages au Maroc : une approche compréhensive," Research papers & Policy papers on Economic Trends and Policies 2318, Policy Center for the New South.
    3. Chen, Shuangye & Liu, Yanlin & Yang, Jin & Yang, Yuchen & Ye, Xiaoyang, 2023. "Impacts of village preschools on student enrollment and longer-term outcomes: New evidence from the poorest regions in China," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
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    6. Krafft,Caroline Gould & Raikes,Abbie & Nikaein Towfighian,Samira & Mojgani,Rebecca Sayre, 2023. "Quality and Inequality in Pre-Primary and Home Environment Inputs to Early ChildhoodDevelopment in Egypt," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10317, The World Bank.

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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • D3 - Microeconomics - - Distribution
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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