Impacts of Early Childhood Programs – A Brookings Institution Publication

From neuroscientists to economists, a range of researchers have focused attention on the critical importance of children’s early years. At the same time, business, education, and political leaders have underscored the goal of ensuring that young children enter school “ready to learn,” so that they can succeed in school and as the next generation of workers and citizens. Ideals of equal opportunity provide further impetus for addressing gaps in skills at early ages, so that children from disadvantaged families have a chance for success in life.

The goal of this set of research briefs, Impacts of Early Childhood Programs, is to provide policy-makers with a user-friendly summary of up-to-date, high-quality evidence on several early childhood interventions and their impact on children and families.

Examples of specific improvements (e.g., reduction in special education, higher rates of high school graduation) are provided in the accompanying set of five research briefs, as well as information on the quality of research on each program and pertinent federal legislation. Taken individually or as a set, the research briefs provide evidence-based assessments of the effectiveness of five major early childhood interventions.

Click here to read the briefs.