Early learning
Early learning
A growing literature establishes that high quality early childhood interventions targeted toward disadvantaged children have substantial impacts on later life outcomes. Little is known about the mechanisms producing these impacts. This paper uses longitudinal data on cognitive and personality traits from an experimental evaluation of the influential Perry Preschool program to analyze the channels through… Read more
This paper discusses (a) the role of cognitive and noncognitive ability in shaping adult outcomes, (b) the early emergence of differentials in abilities between children of advantaged families and children of disadvantaged families, (c) the role of families in creating these abilities, (d) adverse trends in American families, and (e) the effectiveness of early interventions… Read more
This study is the eigPi-h-in-a-teries of reports of longitudinal research on the long-telm effects of participation versus nonparticipation in a program of high quality early childhood education, on 123 black youths from families of low, socioeconomic status, who were at risk of failing in school. The study finds that young people up to 19 years… Read more
This topic guide focuses on early childhood development (ECD), which has become a priority for research, policy and programming, at national and global level, with increasing recognition of the interconnections between a nation’s development goals and the quality of services for all young girls and boys, and their families. The guide summarises evidence across the full age span of ECD, maps the various sectoral entry points for delivering comprehensive holistic services, and identifies opportunities and challenges in achieving more integrated ECD at every level. Read more
This paper summarizes evidence on the effects of early environments on child, adolescent, and adult achievement. Life cycle skill formation is a dynamic process in which early inputs strongly affect the productivity of later inputs. This document may be accessible through your organisation or institution. If not, you may have to purchase access. Alternatively, the… Read more
Our objectives were to document and examine socioeconomic gradients across a comprehensive set of child development measures in a population living in extreme poverty, and to interpret these gradients in light of findings from the neuroscience literature. We assessed a nationally representative sample of 3–6-year-old children (n = 1332) from 150 communities of Madagascar using standard… Read more
This report is the second in a Series on early child development in low-income and middle-income countries and assesses the effectiveness of early child development interventions, such as parenting support and preschool enrolment. The evidence reviewed suggests that early child development can be improved through these interventions, with effects greater for programmes of higher quality… Read more
This paper is the third in the Child Development Series. The first paper showed that more than 200 million children under 5 years of age in developing countries do not reach their developmental potential. The second paper identified four well-documented risks: stunting, iodine deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, and inadequate cognitive stimulation, plus four potential risks… Read more
Rigorous evidence regarding the impact of early care and education on children’s development comes primarily from high-income nations. A few studies from Latin America and the Caribbean have identified benefits of conditional cash transfer and home visiting programs on children’s development. However, there is still controversy around the impact and cost-effectiveness of childcare approaches. Further… Read more
How can we help kids reach their full potential? Experts know that the first years of life are crucial to healthy development. And that’s just the start. Children need regular mental and physical stimulation—along with healthcare and proper nutrition—to keep their development on track. Preschool programs are a great way to give kids the educational… Read more
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dietary supplementation or psychosocial stimulation given to growth retarded (stunted) children age 9-24 months has long term benefits for their psychosocial functioning in late adolescence. DESIGN:Sixteen year follow-up study of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Poor neighbourhoods in Kingston, Jamaica. PARTICIPANTS: Of 129 stunted children identified at age 9-24 months, 103… Read more