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Short- and medium-run impacts of preschool education: evidence from state pre-K programs

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  • Mariana Zerpa

    (University of Chile)

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of state preschool programs on grade progression, child development, and health outcomes from ages 5 to 15 in the United States. Leveraging variation in the timing of pre-K program implementation across states and using data from state legislatures and two national surveys, I estimate the dynamic reduced-form impacts of a large group of pre-K programs. The findings show that pre-K significantly reduces grade retention, particularly for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with no significant differences between targeted and universal pre-K programs. There is suggestive evidence of short-run improvements in developmental and behavioral outcomes, alongside a temporary increase in illness-related missed school days, but no significant effects on overall health. These results highlight the lasting academic benefits of early childhood education, especially for disadvantaged children.

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  • Mariana Zerpa, 2025. "Short- and medium-run impacts of preschool education: evidence from state pre-K programs," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 38(3), pages 1-39, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:38:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s00148-025-01112-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-025-01112-4
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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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