Policy
A Policy Case for Universal Pre-K
The evidence is stronger than the politics suggests. Here is what the research actually shows.
By Maya Ellison · · 7 min read
Universal pre-kindergarten is one of the rare policies where the economics, the child-development research, and the workforce numbers all point the same direction.
The economic return
High-quality preschool programs return roughly $7 for every $1 invested, according to work from Nobel laureate James Heckman.
The workforce effect
Affordable early education keeps parents — mothers, especially — in the labor force.
Where it goes next
Several states are piloting mixed-delivery models that pair public schools with community-based providers. Watch New Mexico and Vermont closely.