New Report: Investing in Pre-K Pays Large Dividends

A new report that looks at the Perry Preschool program and the Abecedarian Project predicts significant long-term benefits from public investments in high quality early education and quantifies the positive returns to federal, state and local government budgets. Researchers at the Brookings Institution considered both increases in tax revenue from participants’ higher earnings, as well as reductions in public outlays for cash assistance, remedial and special education, and other social services. Assuming a three percent discount rate, researchers find that these programs “would pay back in reduced costs and increased revenues".

Post contributed by Anna Lovejoy, private consultant and former Program Director for Early Childhood, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices.


For more on the research, economic benefits and policies related to quality pre-kindergarten programs.