An Economic Analysis of Pre-K in Arkansas

by Clive R. Belfield (November 2006)

This report, commissioned by Pre-K Now, indicates that expanding the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) preschool education program makes sound economic sense. The analysis in this report finds that increasing Arkansas' investment in pre-K would produce significant savings to the state's education, child welfare, and criminal justice systems in addition to generating substantial increases in income tax revenues. This analysis only estimates the returns to the state and does not take into account the direct financial benefits to participating children and their families. Even using this conservative economic model, the report finds that voluntary, universal preschool education would return $1.58 for every dollar spent.

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