Fighting Chronic Disease Watch Video

New research from Professor Heckman and colleagues shows that quality early childhood programs that incorporate health and nutrition help prevent chronic disease. Findings reveal substantially better health in the mid-30s with a lower prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. Click to read the full research paper or…

Slide Presentation: The ABCs of Improving Health Outcomes with Early Childhood Development View Presentation

New research from economist James Heckman and colleagues shows that quality early childhood programs that incorporate health and nutrition help prevent chronic disease. Findings reveal substantially better health in the mid-30s with a lower prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. Use this slide presentation to communicate these…

Early Health & Education Prevent Chronic Disease Watch Video

New research from Professor Heckman and colleagues shows that quality early childhood programs that incorporate health and nutrition help prevent chronic disease. Findings reveal substantially better health in the mid-30s with a lower prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. Click to read the full research paper or…

Early Childhood Investments Substantially Boost Adult Health View Academic Paper

This 2014 Science article features an analysis of the health benefits derived from the North Carolina Abecedarian project in North Carolina, a birth-to-five early childhood education program that included early health, nutrition, and learning. Heckman and co-authors from the Frank Porter Graham Institute at the University of North Carolina find that comprehensive early childhood education boosts…

Research Summary: Abecedarian & Health View Summary

A topline, one-page summary of the North Carolina Abecedarian preschool program analysis that tracks the participant’s education, employment and health outcomes to age 35. Heckman finds significant health benefits beyond education and increased employment, particularly in reducing the incidence of costly chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. This summary makes the…

Research Summary: Perry Preschool and Character Skill Development View Summary

This two-page research summary provides proof that social and emotional development in early childhood development drives better education, health, social and economic outcomes. Heckman highlights the influence that character skills have on school, career and life success, and provides guidance for how advocates and policymakers can use the research to promote effective social and economic change.…