Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
4-2026
CFDP Number
2518
CFDP Pages
44
Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Code(s)
I21, I24, J13
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of early childcare on academic achievement for children in grade 5 and grade 9, based on a 2003 policy expansion that created quasi-random variation in slot availability for children aged 1–2. Starting childcare one year earlier increases math scores by 9.7% of a standard deviation (SD) in grade 9. Children whose mothers do not hold a high school diploma benefit by a significant 0.28% of a SD at grade 9, reducing the math achievement gap from children of higher-educated mothers by about one third. We also present evidence of strong improvements for children of immigrants.
Recommended Citation
Almas, Ingvild; Drange, Nina; Meghir, Costas; and Daae Zachrisson, Henrik, "Early Childcare Attendance and Cognitive skills in Adolescence" (2026). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2944.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2944