American Economic Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
(pp. 404–40)
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.Citation
DeMalach, Elad, and Analia Schlosser. 2026. "Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 18 (2): 404–40. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20240044Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- I21 Analysis of Education
- I24 Education and Inequality
- I28 Education: Government Policy
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination