Research has long established that early childhood education enhances decision-making and social skills. However, only about one-third of U.S. 4-year-olds attend preschool, with access varying widely by state, city, and income level.
A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) emphasizes the value of expanding early childhood education. According to Sara Amadon, a senior research scientist at Child Trends, preschool attendance leads to better school persistence, improved test scores, and higher graduation rates.
Randy Akee, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, co-authored the NBER study. He notes that preschool attendance can also result in better-paying jobs decades later, with earnings up to 5% higher.
Akee’s research focused on a lottery-based preschool program for Indigenous students. He tracked students into adulthood using IRS data and found that those who attended preschool had higher incomes. The benefits were particularly significant for girls from low-income households, suggesting preschool can help reduce inequality.
Anna Johnson, a family policy researcher at Georgetown University, advocates for increased preschool attendance. She believes public preschool is a highly effective investment in children’s well-being.
Despite nationwide efforts to expand public preschools, there is a growing challenge: a shortage of early childhood educators.
