Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP8803
Authors: Pedro Carneiro; Rita Ginja
Abstract: This paper provides new estimates of the medium and long-term impacts of Head Start on the health and behavioral problems of its participants. We identify these impacts using discontinuities in the probability of participation induced by program eligibility rules. Our strategy allows us to identify the effect of Head Start for the set of individuals in the neighborhoods of multiple discontinuities, which vary with family size, state and year (as opposed to a smaller set of individuals neighboring a single discontinuity). Participation in the program reduces the incidence of behavioral problems, serious health problems and obesity of male children at ages 12 and 13. It also lowers depression and obesity among adolescents, and reduces engagement in criminal activities for young adults.
Keywords: behavior problems; early childhood
JEL Codes: C21; I28; I38
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Head Start participation (I21) | reduced incidence of behavioral problems (D91) |
| Head Start participation (I21) | reduced incidence of serious health issues (I19) |
| Head Start participation (I21) | reduced likelihood of chronic conditions requiring special equipment (I14) |
| Head Start participation (I21) | reduced likelihood of obesity (I14) |
| Head Start participation (I21) | lower rates of depression (I12) |
| Head Start participation (I21) | reduced likelihood of incarceration by age 21 (K14) |