Universal Preschool Programs and Long‐term Child Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

What are the long-term effects of universal preschool programs on child outcomes? We review 26 studies using natural experiments to estimate the effects of universal preschool programs for children aged 0-6 years on child outcomes measured from third grade to adulthood. Studies comparing universal preschool with a mix of parental, family, and private modes of care show mixed effects on test scores and on measures related to health, well-being, and behavior. All estimates for outcomes related to adequate primary and secondary school progression, years of schooling, highest degree completed, employment, and earnings indicate beneficial average effects of universal preschool programs. Three of the included studies calculate benefits-to-costs ratios and find ratios clearly above one. Universal preschool tends to be more beneficial for children with low socioeconomic status and there are not consistently different effects for boys or girls. Only three studies compare two alternative types of universal preschool programs in terms of long-term outcomes.

Do schools discriminate against children with disabilities? A field experiment in Sweden

“…The policy relevance of our study is clear since our results imply that children with disabilities experience unequal access to information and school resources. Research has shown that preschool attendance is positively related to an individual's years of schooling and highest grade completed (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018). Furthermore, preschool attendance is also positively related to an individual's employment and earnings as an adult (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018).…”

“…Research has shown that preschool attendance is positively related to an individual's years of schooling and highest grade completed (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018). Furthermore, preschool attendance is also positively related to an individual's employment and earnings as an adult (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018). Also, if children with disabilities are discriminated against when they apply for school placements, this may increase school segregation.…”

“…A study of discrimination against children with disabilities whose parents make inquiries about school placements is highly relevant for various reasons. Previous research has underlined the importance of preschool attendance for the possibilities to succeed in the labor market as an adult (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018). Furthermore, research has shown that school segregation in Sweden has become more prevalent as a result of a reform that was implemented in the early 1990s, which allows parents to choose school for their children (Böhlmark, Holmlund, and Lindahl 2016).…”

Ethnic discrimination in contacts with public authorities: a correspondence test among Swedish municipalities

“…Research has also shown that preschool attendance is positively related to an individual's years of schooling and highest educational degree completed later in life. Furthermore, it is also positively related to an individual's employment and earnings as an adult (Dietrichson, Kristiansen, and Nielsen 2018) and to health (Aalto et al 2019). Finally, research indicates that preschool attendance seem to be an efficient way to improve language knowledge among children of immigrants (Drange 2018).…”

A simple reorganization of childcare centre with positive effects on self-regulation and play behaviour

“…In light of this evidence, many policy makers have strived towards the universalization of preschool (Dietrichson et al, 2020;Gamboa and Krüger, 2016). However, ensuring quality is highly important for the success of these programmes.…”