Improved College Graduation Rates Through Early Education Enrichment

Positive effects of a preschool-to-third-grade program for underserved children were evident 30 years later in higher postsecondary education rates.

Greater educational attainment predicts better outcomes in almost every aspect of health, making it an important public health objective. In the current study, researchers examined whether an early childhood educational enrichment program can influence rates of postsecondary degree completion into participants' thirties.

The program was developed in the 1980s as a large-scale, school-based, multicomponent, early-childhood intervention in high-poverty neighborhoods of Chicago. It provided high-quality educational enrichment to nearly 1000 children (93% black, 7% Hispanic) in preschool through third grade and featured reduced class sizes, family support services including parent involvement at school and home visits, and comprehensive nutritio…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Improved College Graduation Rates Through Early Education Enrichment

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Reviewing Author