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.


Subjects:
[+]
Article Cost-benefit Analysis Curriculum Early Childhood Education Economics Education Efficiency Health Equity Humans Return On Investment School Teachers
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
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/59595/cdc_59595_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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