Posted on 03/29/2005 6:03:45 PM PST by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES (AP) - High-quality, universal preschool for all 4-year-olds in California would generate $2.62 in benefits for every public dollar spent, according to a new economic analysis released Tuesday by the Rand Corp.
The cost-benefits study by the Santa Monica-based think tank estimated average annual costs of $1.7 billion for universal preschool would be offset in the long-term by a reduction in the high school graduation dropout rate, less juvenile crime and a more productive work force.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, which advocates voluntary preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in California by 2013, funded the study.
"Rand's analysis demonstrates that preschool is definitely a worthwhile investment," said The Boeing Co. Chairman Lew Platt, who also is a trustee for the Packard Foundation.
The investment for each class of 4-year-old preschoolers would be returned by age 14 and returns to the economy would continue to accrue over their adult years, Platt said during a conference call with reporters.
"Preschool returns over 10 percent annually on the funds invested, trouncing the average government bond or savings account and nearly matching the historical returns of the stock market," Platt said.
The Rand study predicted that universal preschool would lead to 13,764 fewer children retained a grade during their K-12 years; 10,010 additional high school graduates; 4,737 fewer cases of child abuse or neglect and 7,329 fewer juvenile arrests.
Elizabeth Chaponot, campus director of Lycee International de Los Angeles, said preschool makes such a profound impact because it gives children the opportunity to learn the culture and language of school.
The 15 bright-eyed students in her school's pre-kindergarten class are not only learning French, but also how to work together, how to master holding a pencil and how to draw the curves and lines needed next year for writing.
"They won't be left behind in kindergarten or first grade when things get more complicated," Chaponot said.
The study was based on the creation of a publicly financed, voluntary preschool program for all 4-year-olds that would feature small classes, qualified teachers and the use of old or new facilities run by public or private providers.
Only two states, Georgia and Oklahoma, currently have voluntary preschool programs available to all 4-year-olds. New York, West Virginia and Florida have committed to universal preschool programs, but they have yet to be either fully funded or implemented.
In California, about 65 percent of 4-year-olds already are in preschool, but enrollment rates and the quality of instruction vary across socio-economic groups.
The Rand study reported that enrollment rates nationwide are lowest for Hispanic children and for children from poor families.
Only 38 percent of 3- to 5-year-olds whose mothers who have less than a high school education enroll in early childhood programs, compared to 70 percent for those whose mothers have at least a college degree.
Risk factors that lead to failure in school are acute in California, where about 18 percent of children under age 5 live with a single parent; 13 percent are Hispanic and living in poverty and nearly half have a foreign-born parent. The Rand study, co-authored by Lynn Karoly and James Bigelow, figured that 25 percent of California's children of preschool are at high risk of failure.
A coalition of groups, spearheaded by Hollywood activist Rob Reiner, are expected to file an initiative in the coming weeks that could let voters decide in June 2006 if universal preschool should be offered statewide.
California voters in 1998 created the First 5 program by approving a 50-cent a pack tax on cigarettes and raising taxes on all other tobacco products to pay for programs for children up to age five. The program, also championed by Reiner, has raised more than $3 billion, but questions have been raised on how the money is being spent.
Dear Parents,
Javelina does not play well with others, grumbles at nap time, talks during story time and annoys the other children during recess.
Won't the $2.62 in savings simply be sent home to Mexico?
Don't forget Atomic Bomb drill, too! (Am I giving away my age? Oh, no!)
I remember Atomic Bomb drill, too - so I guess you're giving away my age :-).
English? What's that?
if even one education "expert" read the work of Piaget or Marvin Minsky at MIT, they would know that kids this age need to run and play not try to learn anything. their minds are not ready for the concept of conservation, how much water is in the short 8oz glass vs. the tall 8oz glass, let alone subjects of Pre-School.
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