TY  - RPRT
        AU  - DeMalach, Elad
AU  - Schlosser, Analia
        TI  - Short- and Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool:  Evidence from the Arab Population in Israel
        PY  - 2025/Jul/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 18037
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/publications/dp18037
        AB  - 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.
        KW  - education
KW  - early childhood
KW  - preschool
KW  - minorities
        ER  -