Description:
The plan of the book: Chapter 2 summarizes the empirical evidence that has led most researchers to believe that early childhood programs can affect adult outcomes. Chapter 3 compares adult earnings benefits from early childhood education with costs. Chapter 4 analyzes common criticisms made of the empirical evidence for early childhood education. Chapter 5 discusses how the benefits and costs of early childhood programs vary with program features, such as classroom quality, program duration, and the income of the child's family. Chapter 6 explores social benefits of early childhood programs. Chapter 7 outlines a specific early childhood proposal. Chapter 8 puts early childhood education in the context of past efforts to reform American education. In sum, this book argues the following: Many early childhood education programs have rigorous evidence for high benefit-cost ratios. We know something about what types of programs have the biggest bang for the buck, and how to improve program quality over time. Benefits of early childhood education are broad enough that taxpayer support is justified. Benefits of early childhood education are local enough to justify support by state and local governments. Early childhood education can play a significant role in an overall economic strategy to enhance U.S. economic growth and broaden economic opportunities. (author abstract)
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