Start Impact Study News Today

The COVID-19 pandemic offers policymakers the opportunity to rethink early childhood education and childcare in America, and to do a better job of aligning services with the needs and preferences of families. The availability of suitable childcare—affordable and convenient with adequate hours in a desirable environment—is a key component of economic recovery, where working parents no longer have to reduce their hours or quit their jobs.

Abstract: Recently released results from the Head Start Impact Study indicate that the benefits of participating in Head Start almost completely disappear by first grade. While other studies have previously assessed Head Start's effectiveness, this is the only study that used a rigorous experimental design. Given this strongly negative evaluation, Congress should reconsider spending more than $9 billion per year on a program that produces few positive lasting effects.

In no way does the 2010 Head Start Impact Study demonstrate that Head Start pays off over the medium and long term.