by W. Steven Barnett (2010)
Summary In this paper, NIEER Co-Director W. Steven Barnett argues that universal public preschool education would reach more children in low-income families, as well as children from middle- and higher-income families, and might actually improve program effectiveness, particularly through peer effects. While a universal approach would cost more than a targeted approach, it is likely to produce benefits that exceed the additional costs. This paper appeared in the International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, Volume 4, Number 1.