Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel
利用以色列1999年实施的3-4岁免费公立学前教育政策，基于阿拉伯人口数据，发现普及型学前教育能提升从小学到高中的学业表现、改善学习环境、增加高等教育入学率，并减少男性青少年犯罪和女性早婚。
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 (DID) 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.