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Effect of the Jamaica Early Childhood Stimulation Intervention on Labor Market Outcomes at Age 31

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Gertler
  • James J. Heckman
  • Rodrigo Pinto
  • Susan M. Chang
  • Sally Grantham-McGregor
  • Christel Vermeersch
  • Susan Walker
  • Amika Wright
Abstract
We report the labor market effects of the Jamaica Early Childhood Stimulation intervention at age 31. The study is a small-sample randomized early childhood education stimulation intervention targeting stunted children living in the poor neighborhoods of Kingston, Jamaica. Implemented in 1987-1989, treatment consisted of a two-year home-based intervention designed to improve nutrition and the quality of mother-child interactions to foster cognitive, language and psycho-social skills. The original sample is 127 stunted children between 9 and 24 months old. Our study is able to track and interview 75% of the original sample 30 years after the intervention, both still living in Jamaica and migrated abroad. We find large and statistically significant effects on income and schooling; the treatment group had 43% higher hourly wages and 37% higher earnings than the control group. This is a substantial increase over the treatment effect estimated for age 22 where we observed a 25% increase in earnings. The Jamaican Study is a rare case of a long-term follow up for an early childhood development (ECD) intervention implemented in a less-developed country. Our results confirm large economic returns to an early childhood intervention that targeted disadvantaged families living in poverty in the poor neighborhoods of Jamaica. The Jamaican intervention is being replicated around the world. Our analysis provides justification for expanding ECD interventions targeting disadvantaged children living in poor countries around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Gertler & James J. Heckman & Rodrigo Pinto & Susan M. Chang & Sally Grantham-McGregor & Christel Vermeersch & Susan Walker & Amika Wright, 2021. "Effect of the Jamaica Early Childhood Stimulation Intervention on Labor Market Outcomes at Age 31," NBER Working Papers 29292, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jorge Luis García & James J. Heckman, 2023. "Parenting Promotes Social Mobility Within and Across Generations," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 15(1), pages 349-388, September.
    3. Attanasio, Orazio P. & Lopez Boo, Florencia & Perez-Lopez, Diana & Reynolds, Sarah Anne, 2023. "Inequality in the Early Years in LAC: A Comparative Study of Size, Persistence, and Policies," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13316, Inter-American Development Bank.
    4. Hugues Champeaux & Lucia Mangiavacchi & Francesca Marchetta & Luca Piccoli, 2022. "Child development and distance learning in the age of COVID-19," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 659-685, September.
    5. Oconnor, Christopher, 2024. "Do conditional cash transfers create resilience against poverty? Long-run evidence from Jamaica," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    6. Siddique, Abu & Islam, Asad & Mozumder, Tanvir Ahmed & Rahman, Tabassum & Shatil, Tanvir, 2022. "Forced Displacement, Mental Health, and Child Development: Evidence from the Rohingya Refugees," SocArXiv b4fc7, Center for Open Science.
    7. Flavio Cunha & Marsha Gerdes & Qinyou Hu & Snejana Nihtianova, 2023. "Language Environment and Maternal Expectations: An Evaluation of the LENA Start Program," NBER Working Papers 30837, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    8. Maria Caridad Araujo & Karen Macours, 2021. "Education, Income and Mobility: Experimental Impacts of Childhood Exposure to Progresa after 20 Years," Working Papers halshs-03364972, HAL.
    9. Rodrigo Ceni & Maira Colacce & Gonzalo Salas, 2023. "Initial inequality, unequal development: Effects of family movements on child development," Documentos de Trabajo (working papers) 23-07, Instituto de Economía - IECON.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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