Does Head Start Make a Difference

TLDR

The study examines the effect of Head Start participation on children using a national sample. Sibling comparisons are used to control for selection bias. Head Start yields significant test‑score gains for both white and African‑American children, though the gains for African‑Americans fade quickly; it lowers grade repetition for whites but not for African‑Americans, and increases preventive health service use for all. © 1995 American Economic Association.

Abstract

The impact of participation in Head Start is investigated using a national sample of children. Comparisons are drawn between siblings to control for selection. Head Start is associated with large and significant gains in test scores among both whites and African-Americans. However, among African-Americans, these gains are quickly lost. Head Start significantly reduces the probability that a white child will repeat a grade but it has no effect on grade repetition among African-American children. Both whites and African-Americans who attend Head Start, or other preschools, gain greater access to preventive health services. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.