Details:

Alternative Title:
J Public Health Manag Pract
Personal Author:
Ramon, Ismaila; Chattopadhyay, Sajal K.; Barnett, W. Steven; Hahn, Robert A.;
Ramon, Ismaila; Chattopadhyay, Sajal K.; Barnett, W. Steven; Hahn, Robert A.; Less -
Description:
Context: A previous Community Guide systematic review found that early childhood education (ECE) programs improve educational, social, and health-related outcomes and advance health equity because many are designed to increase enrollment for high-risk students. This follow-up economic review examines how the economic benefits of center-based ECE programs compare with their costs. Evidence Acquisition: Kay and Pennucci from the Washington Institute for Public Policy, whose meta-analysis formed the basis of the Community Guide effectiveness review, conducted a benefit–cost analysis of ECE programs for low-income children in Washington State. We performed an electronic database search using both effectiveness and economic key words to identify additional cost-benefit studies published through May 2015. Kay and Pennucci also provided us with national-level benefit-cost estimates for state and district and federal Head Start programs. Evidence Synthesis: The median benefit-to-cost ratio from 11 estimates of earnings gains, the major benefit driver for three types of ECE programs (i.e., state and district, federal Head Start, and model programs), was 3.39:1 (interquartile interval [IQI]: 2.48 to 4.39). The overall median benefit-to-cost ratio from seven estimates of total benefits, based on additional components besides earnings gains, was 4.19:1 (IQI: 2.62 to 8.60) indicating that for every dollar invested in the program, there was a return of $4.19 in total benefits. Conclusions: ECE programs promote both equity and economic efficiency. Evidence indicates there is positive social return on investment in ECE irrespective of the type of ECE program.
Subject:
[+]
Article
Cost-benefit Analysis
Curriculum
Early Childhood Education
Economics
Education
Efficiency
Health Equity
Humans
Return On Investment
School Teachers
Health Equity

Source:
J Public Health Manag Pract. 24(1):e8-e15.;
Pubmed ID:
28257407
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC6172656
Document Type:
Journal Article;
Funding:
CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States;
Place as Subject:
Washington;
Collection(s):
CDC Public Access
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:317b7d36b82360bdc2a74344ac04545d004906420bf0ee6434737bc1748f9292
File Type:

Supporting Files

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