Research Summary: Abecedarian & Health

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 case for comprehensive early childhood education from birth to age five that incorporates early nutrition, parent education, health screenings, early learning and preschool.