This report systematically reviews research on the outcomes of programs that teach young children in a group setting before they begin kindergarten. Study inclusion criteria included the use of randomized or matched control groups, evidence of initial equality, and study duration of at least 12 weeks. Studies included valid measures of language,…

This paper discussed Consortium for Longitudinal Studies findings which demonstrate that, contrary to first impressions from earlier evaluation studies, early intervention preschool programs do have generally positive long term effects. A public information campaign to communicate these findings through all media is advocated. Problems of…

The methods and findings of studies of the effects and value of preschool education and compensatory education programs, such as Head Start, are reviewed. After introductory comments on ideological controversies and on terminology, section 1 focuses on evaluative studies of the immediate and long-term effects of preschool education and early…

This literature review summarizes information related to the major models of providing education, child care, and family-oriented services to an early childhood population, the effectiveness of these models, and strategies for delivering early childhood services for children with special needs. The focus of the review is on information presented…