Elusive Longer-Run Impacts of Head Start: Replications Within and Across Cohorts

TL;DR

This study re-evaluates the long-term effects of Head Start using additional data and replication methods, finding mostly null or negative impacts on adult outcomes across multiple cohorts.

Contribution

It extends prior research by using more recent data, longer follow-up periods, and sibling comparison methods to assess Head Start's long-term impacts.

Findings

No significant impact on earnings in adulthood

Mostly negative impacts on recent cohorts

Null effects on school-age and early adulthood outcomes

Abstract

Using an additional decade of CNLSY data, this study replicated and extended Deming's (2009) evaluation of Head Start's life-cycle skill formation impacts in three ways. Extending the measurement interval for Deming's adulthood outcomes, we found no statistically significant impacts on earnings and mixed evidence of impacts on other adult outcomes. Applying Deming's sibling comparison framework to more recent birth cohorts born to CNLSY mothers revealed mostly negative Head Start impacts. Combining all cohorts shows generally null impacts on school-age and early adulthood outcomes.