RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Does Universal Preschool Hit the Target?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1
OP 42
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.3.0220-10728R1
VO 58
IS 1
A1 Cascio, Elizabeth U.
YR 2023
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/58/1/1.abstract
AB This study examines the cost efficacy of universal programs, taking advantage of the rich diversity in rules governing access to state-funded preschool in the United States. Using age-eligibility rules for identification, I find that attending a state-funded universal preschool generates substantial immediate test score gains, particularly for low-income children. Gains for low-income children from attending targeted (largely means-tested) preschool are significantly smaller. Cross-state differences in alternative care options, demographics, and other program features cannot explain the difference in attendance impacts across program types. Benefit-to-cost ratios of universal programs are favorable despite their relatively high costs per low-income child.