Program Effectiveness
Research Report
What Impacts Does Preschool Education Have on Personal Responsibility and Related Social Behavior?
Date
March 1, 2006
Summary
Several studies show that high-quality preschool education programs influence attitudes and behaviors with respect to school, family, work, and community not just during the early years of life, but into adulthood. While summarizing key discoveries regarding the benefits of preschool participation, the authors of this NIEER report recommend further research to clarify the how preschool programs can produce the greatest long-term benefits for children’s social and emotional development and life choices.
The Authors
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.