Distributional Effects of Early Childhood Programs and Business Incentives and Their Implications for Policy

Authors

Timothy J. Bartik, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6238-8181

Series

Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 09-151

**Published Version**

In Investing in Kids: Early Childhood Programs and Local Economic Development, Timothy J. Bartik. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2011, pp. 219-266

DOI

10.17848/wp09-151

Issue Date

July 2009

Abstract

This is a draft of a chapter of a planned book, Preschool and Jobs: Human Development as Economic Development, and Vice Versa [subsequently published as Investing in Kids, 2011]. This book analyzes early childhood programs effects on regional economic development. This chapter considers the effects of early childhood programs and business incentives on the income distribution. A key issue is whether early childhood programs should be targeted on the poor, or made universally available for free. Relevant considerations in addressing this issue include how benefits of early childhood programs benefit with family income, and the political feasibility of targeted versus universal programs.

Sponsorship

Partially funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Subject Areas

EDUCATION; Early childhood; Childcare / Child care; Preschool and early education; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; Regional policy and planning; Business and tax incentives