Long-Term Effects of Early Childhood Education on Academic Achievement in Chile

• In Event: International Early Childhood Issues

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in access to early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Chile over the past two decades; however, there is little research that assesses the effects of these programs on children's academic outcomes. Responding to this need, the present study assesses the impact of Chilean public ECCE on the fourth-grade academic achievement scores. Results indicate that ECCE is positively associated with academic gains on SIMCE tests, after controlling for children's socio-demographic factors associated with selection into ECCE. Nonetheless, not all children benefit equally from attending ECCE. Findings suggest that boys benefit more than girls in terms of academic outcomes, and that the ECCE effect on academic achievement also differs depending on the children's SES.

Author

• Alejandra Cortazar, Universidad Diego Portales