July 2025

IZA DP No. 18037: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool: Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel

We estimate the causal impacts of universal preschool by leveraging a quasi-experimental design based on Israel’s implementation of free public preschool for children ages 3 and 4 beginning in September 1999. We focus on the Arab population, who were the main beneficiaries of the first phase of the Law’s implementation. Using a difference-in-differences research design, we find that universal preschool enhanced individuals’ academic performance from elementary school through high school, improved the learning environment, and increased postsecondary enrollment. Additional benefits include reduced juvenile delinquency among males and decreased early marriage among females.