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Can't Buy Mommy's Love? Universal Childcare and Children's Long-Term Cognitive Development

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Listed:
  • Felfe, Christina

    (University of Konstanz)

  • Nollenberger, Natalia

    (IE University)

  • Rodríguez-Planas, Núria

    (Queens College, CUNY)

Abstract

What happens to children's long-run cognitive development when introducing universal high-quality childcare for 3-year olds mainly crowds out maternal care? To answer this question we exploit a natural experiment framework and employ a difference-in-difference approach. We find sizable improvements in children's reading and math skills at age 15, as well as in grade progression during primary and secondary school. Effects are driven by girls and disadvantaged children.

Suggested Citation

  • Felfe, Christina & Nollenberger, Natalia & Rodríguez-Planas, Núria, 2012. "Can't Buy Mommy's Love? Universal Childcare and Children's Long-Term Cognitive Development," IZA Discussion Papers 7053, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7053
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cognitive skills; universal high-quality childcare; long-term consequences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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