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

Elad DeMalach and Analia Schlosser

No 18781, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

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: Preschool; Early childhood; Education; Kindergarten education; minorities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I24 I25 J20 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-01
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Working Paper: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel (2025)
Working Paper: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel (2024)
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