Long-Term Benefits of Early Intervention Services: A Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

The role of universal preschool programs is being debated in public and political arenas. There is concern that the cost of providing such programs is not in the public's best interest. While they are few, the longitudinal studies into the cost/benefit of such programs show that investments into early childhood interventions and education yield a return to students, taxpayers, and society. These benefits include: a savings in the cost of education through lower retention rates and special education placement, an increase in tax revenue through higher wages, and a savings through lower costs for the welfare and criminal justice systems. This meta-synthesis explores the studies that support the above findings, as well as ways in which current preschool programs can be improved to provide better long-term outcomes for children.