School-based early intervention and child well-being in the Chicago Longitudinal Study

Chicago Child-Parent Centers provide comprehensive education and family support services to young, low-income children. Using data from 1,539 children in the Chicago Longitudinal Study, preschool participation was associated with significantly higher levels of school readiness, achievement, and educational attainment, and with lower rates of child maltreatment, juvenile delinquency, special education placement, and grade retention. Every dollar invested in the preschool program returned 7.14 dollars to society at large. School-age intervention also provided economic returns that exceeded costs. Findings provided strong evidence that large-scale, public, early interventions can enhance children's well-being. The authors recommend greater investments in programs with elements similar to the Child-Parent Centers.