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Long term impacts of compensatory preschool on health and behavior: evidence from Head Start

Author

Listed:
  • Pedro Carneiro

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University College London)

  • Rita Ginja

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University of Bergen)

Abstract

This paper provides new estimates of the medium and long-term impacts of Head Start on the health and behavioral problems of its participants. We identify these impacts using discontinuities in the probability of participation induced by program eligibility rules. Our strategy allows us to identify the effect of Head Start for the set of individuals in the neighborhoods of multiple discontinuities, which vary with family size, state and year (as opposed to a smaller set of individuals neighboring a single discontinuity). Participation in the program reduces the incidence of behavioral problems, serious health problems and obesity of male children at ages 12 and 13. It also lowers depression and obesity among adolescents, and reduces engagement in criminal activities for young adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Carneiro & Rita Ginja, 2012. "Long term impacts of compensatory preschool on health and behavior: evidence from Head Start," CeMMAP working papers CWP01/12, Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:cemmap:01/12
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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