Why do countries invest in early childhood education and care? Larry Schweinhart.

Why do countries invest Why do countries invest in early childhood in early childhood

education and care?education and care?

Larry Schweinhart

Early childhood education contributes Early childhood education contributes to children’s development.to children’s development.

Evidence thatEarly childhood experience influences

brain development.Good programs have long-term effects and

return on investment.

Short- and Long-Term Effects Short- and Long-Term Effects from 3 Studiesfrom 3 Studies

Childhood intellectual performanceTeen school achievementFewer teen birthsPlacements in regular classesHigh school graduationAdult earningsFewer crimesUp to $16 return on the dollar

High/Scope Perry Preschool StudyHigh/Scope Perry Preschool Study

Major findings over timeMajor findings over time

HighScope Perry Preschool StudyHighScope Perry Preschool Study

Large return on investmentLarge return on investment (Per participant in 2008 constant dollars discounted 3% annually) (Per participant in 2008 constant dollars discounted 3% annually)

But Other Studies Find But Other Studies Find Only Modest EffectsOnly Modest Effects

Most recent studies of preschool programs find only modest short-term effects on children’s literacy and social skills

Poor candidates for long-term effects and return on investment

ImplicationImplication

To get what we got,Do what we did!

Five Ingredients of Highly Five Ingredients of Highly Effective Preschool ProgramsEffective Preschool Programs

1. Target low-income children2. Have and support enough qualified

teachers3. Use a validated, interactive child

development curriculum4. Spend a lot of time with parents5. Continuously assess program quality

and child development

1.1. Target Low-Income and Target Low-Income and At-Risk ChildrenAt-Risk Children

Preschool for all includes needy children and has wider political support.

But long-term effects are seldom looked for and yet to be found for middle-income children

Tulsa, Oklahoma, study of pre-k for all children found large short-term effects on school achievement.

2.2. Have and Support Enough Have and Support Enough Qualified TeachersQualified Teachers

Qualified = Teaching certificate based on a relevant bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum-based supervision and systematic in-service training.

Two qualified adults for 16-20 four-year-olds per class.

3.3. Use a Validated, Interactive Use a Validated, Interactive Child Development CurriculumChild Development Curriculum

Children and teachers design learning activities

All aspects of children’s developmentEvidence of effectivenessRequires interactive training, study, and

practice

4.4. Teachers Spend a Lot of Teachers Spend a Lot of Time with Parents.Time with Parents.

Meet with parents and children regularly.Educate parents about their children’s

development.Include children’s other center and home

caregivers.

5.5. Continuously Assess Program Continuously Assess Program Quality and Child Development.Quality and Child Development.

• Assess implementation of an effective program model.

• Assess children’s developing school readiness.

• Attune teaching to assessment.