“The Economics of Early-Childhood Policy: What the Dismal Science Has to Say About Investing in Children”
Economic research on the benefits of early-childhood education can point to promising services and provide guidance, but it does not necessarily give clear direction about the best approach to solving problems, according to a new report from the Santa Monica, Calif.-based RAND Corp.
Released May 12, the report is intended to help policymakers better understand how economic analysis can help improve early-childhood policy.
“Economic analysis increasingly plays a role in the debate on the merits of early-childhood programs, but many people are unprepared to participate in the discussion,” Rebecca Kilburn, the lead author and an economist at RAND, said in a written statement. “The report is intended to provide clarity and structure for making use of such research.”
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