Discussion Paper Series
Discussion Paper 104
Issued August 2006
The Productivity Argument for Investing in Young Children
James J. Heckman, University of Chicago
Dimitriy V. Masterov, University of Michigan
Abstract
This paper summarizes the empirical evidence on underinvestment in early education of disadvantaged youth in the U.S. Such spending is not an appropriate response given the current demographic trends. Compared to interventions for teenagers and young adults, high quality, targeted early interventions are much more effective in reducing costly problems and improving the quality of the labor force. On productivity grounds alone, they are a sound investment.
The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Early Childhood Research Collaborative.
Spotlight:
i3 Grant Announcement, December 22, 2011
HCRC receives Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund grant for Midwest CPC Expansion [pdf], December 21, 2011
Human Capital Research Collaborative Brown Bag Faculty Research Seminars, 3rd Tuesday of the month, Oct. 2011–Apr. 2012
U study finds big preschool payoffs, Star Tribune, June 9, 2011
Art Rolnick testifies before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families, June 9, 2011
Art Rolnick presents at TEDxTC on the Economic Case for Early Childhood Development, May 5, 2010
Highlighted Discussion Papers
The Public Returns to Public Educational Investments in African American Males
Child Interventions That May Lead to Increased Economic Growth
Past News and Events
Human Capital Research Collaborative Brown Bag Faculty Research Seminars, 3rd Tuesday of the month, Sept. 2010–Apr. 2011
Assessing the Validity of Minnesota School Readiness Indicators [pdf]
Health and Early Childhood Development: The Impact of Health on School Readiness and Other Education Outcomes, October 14 & 15, 2010
