Preschools Pay Off in Actual Dollars
Research Mounts on Economic Benefits of PreK
Preschool is a sound investment, according to recent
research released by Rutgers University. Based on educational and
employment records of children participating in the Abecedarian Early
Childhood project, a cost-benefit analysis projects that roughly $4 in
benefits resulted from every dollar invested in the program.
Touted as one of the best model programs in the country
for low-income, at-risk children, the Abecedarian project was established
21 years ago. Researchers have compared the progress between the
children in the project and a control group as they've grown into
adulthood.
The analysis forecast:
Participants would earn about 4143,000 more over
their lifetimes than those who were not in the program.
Mothers of enrolled children can expect to earn
$133,00 more over their lifetimes.
School districts can expect to save more than
$11,000 per child in special education or remedial costs.
Children of participants were projected to earn
$48,000 more over their lifetimes than those of non-participants.
