Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel

Elad DeMalach () and Analia Schlosser
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Elad DeMalach: Bank of Israel

No 18037, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We estimate the causal impacts of universal preschool by leveraging a quasi-experimental design based on Israel’s implementation of free public preschool for children ages 3 and 4 beginning in September 1999. We focus on the Arab population, who were the main beneficiaries of the first phase of the Law’s implementation. Using a difference-in-differences research design, we find that universal preschool enhanced individuals’ academic performance from elementary school through high school, improved the learning environment, and increased postsecondary enrollment. Additional benefits include reduced juvenile delinquency among males and decreased early marriage among females.

Keywords: education; early childhood; preschool; minorities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I24 I25 J20 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ara
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Working Paper: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel (2024)
Working Paper: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel (2024)
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