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A recently released study by the Rand Corporation concluded that "investing public money to make preschool available to every 4-year old in California would generate an estimated $2 to $4 in benefits for every dollar spent." The study estimates that the cost of a high quality universal preschool program would be more than offset by benefits such as "a drop in the amount of special education provided, less grade repetition among K-12 students, less youth and adult crime, and a more productive state workforce." The study estimates that the cumulative benefits to California society would exceed program costs by the time a child enrolled in universal preschool reaches age 14.

Lynn Karoly, a RAND senior economist and lead author of the report, "The Economics of Investing in Universal Preschool Education in California," also points out, "What the study does for the first time is to look at the potential benefits of a universal preschool program, rather than a program targeted only at kids who are at higher risk for educational and behavioral problems."

To access this complete report, go to:

http://www.rand.org/publications/MG/MG349/