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Why are preschool programs becoming less effective?

Author

Listed:
  • Anamarie A. Whitaker
  • Margaret Burchinal
  • Jade M. Jenkins
  • Drew H. Bailey
  • Tyler W. Watts
  • Greg J. Duncan
  • Emma R. Hart
  • Ellen Peisner‐Feinberg

Abstract

Public preschool programs are heralded as an effective policy tool for promoting the development and lifelong well‐being of children from low‐income families. Recent preschool evaluations report divergent findings that are consistently weaker than those of famous demonstration programs implemented in the mid‐20th century. We provide potential explanations for these weaker effects, the most compelling of which focuses on improvements in the early childhood conditions of children not enrolling in public programs. We argue that other explanations, such as subsequent low‐quality schooling experiences, do not convincingly account for weakening program effectiveness. We do not contest whether governments should invest in effective care for young children. Rather, we focus on the current state of the evaluation evidence for programs at scale. We argue the field must take seriously the disappointing impacts of modern programs on child outcomes and strive to understand how to boost program effectiveness through rigorous, longitudinal research.

Suggested Citation

  • Anamarie A. Whitaker & Margaret Burchinal & Jade M. Jenkins & Drew H. Bailey & Tyler W. Watts & Greg J. Duncan & Emma R. Hart & Ellen Peisner‐Feinberg, 2026. "Why are preschool programs becoming less effective?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 45(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:45:y:2026:i:1:n:e70031
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.70031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Patrick Kline & Christopher R. Walters, 2016. "Evaluating Public Programs with Close Substitutes: The Case of HeadStart," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 131(4), pages 1795-1848.
    3. Sabino Kornrich & Frank Furstenberg, 2013. "Investing in Children: Changes in Parental Spending on Children, 1972–2007," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 50(1), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Rucker C. Johnson & C. Kirabo Jackson, 2019. "Reducing Inequality through Dynamic Complementarity: Evidence from Head Start and Public School Spending," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 11(4), pages 310-349, November.
    5. Reynolds, P.P., 2004. "Professional and Hospital DISCRIMINATION and the US Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit 1956-1967," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(5), pages 710-720.
    6. Henry Woodyard & Tim Sass & Ishtiaque Fazlul, 2025. "Assessing the benefits of education in early childhood: Evidence from a Pre‐K lottery in Georgia," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 63(3), pages 663-680, July.
    7. Greg J. Duncan & Katherine Magnuson, 2013. "Investing in Preschool Programs," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 27(2), pages 109-132, Spring.
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