Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy · 2026 · Elad Demalach、Analía Schlosser
中文摘要
本文利用一项准实验设计估计普及学前教育的因果效应，该设计基于以色列自1999年9月起为3岁和4岁儿童提供免费公立学前教育的政策实施。我们聚焦于阿拉伯人口，他们是该法律实施第一阶段的主要受益者。采用双重差分（DID）研究设计，我们发现普及学前教育提高了个人从小学到高中阶段的学业表现，改善了学习环境，并提高了中学后教育的入学率。其他收益还包括降低了男性青少年的违法犯罪率和女性的早婚率。(JEL I21, I24, I28, J15, J16)
Abstract
We estimate the causal impacts of universal preschool by leveraging a quasi-experimental design based on Israel’s implementation of free public preschool for children ages 3 and 4 beginning in September 1999. We focus on the Arab population, who were the main beneficiaries of the first phase of the law’s implementation. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) research design, we find that universal preschool enhanced individuals’ academic performance from elementary school through high school, improved the learning environment, and increased postsecondary enrollment. Additional benefits include reduced juvenile delinquency among males and decreased early marriage among females. (JEL I21, I24, I28, J15, J16)