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  3. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
  4. November 2014
  5. Long-Term Impacts of Compensatory Preschool on Health and Behavior: Evidence from Head Start

Long-Term Impacts of Compensatory Preschool on Health and Behavior: Evidence from Head Start

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Abstract

This paper provides new estimates of the medium- and long-term impacts of Head Start on health and behavioral problems. We identify these impacts using discontinuities in the probability of participation induced by program eligibility rules. Our strategy allows us to identify the effect of Head Start for the individuals in the neighborhoods of multiple discontinuities. Participation in the program reduces the incidence of behavioral problems, health problems, and obesity of male children at ages 12 and 13. It lowers depression and obesity among adolescents, and it reduces engagement in criminal activities and idleness for young adults.

Citation

Carneiro, Pedro, and Rita Ginja. 2014. "Long-Term Impacts of Compensatory Preschool on Health and Behavior: Evidence from Head Start." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 6 (4): 135-73. DOI: 10.1257/pol.6.4.135

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • H52 National Government Expenditures and Education
  • I12 Health Behavior
  • I21 Analysis of Education
  • I24 Education and Inequality
  • I28 Education: Government Policy
  • I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
  • J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
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