A pre-R year is it worth it, and what would it cost? An applied policy analysis

Science is unequivocal in its support for the importance of early childhood development. Calls for increased investment in young children cite neuroscience, developmental psychology and health. It is hazardous, however, to make a direct leap from neuroscience to policy recommendations. Simply because early childhood provides opportunities for more economically efficient interventions which have dramatic impact on inequality, this does not mean that the ECD policies actually implemented by communities, provinces, or national government are worthy investments. Firstly, it is difficult to design programmes that improve children's cognitive or behavioural development. Secondly, the costs of even effective programmes might outweigh the benefits they generate for children, their families, and taxpayers. And finally, programmes in early childhood require upfront and politically brave investments that may take decades to pay off.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Economics

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Girdwood, Elizabeth

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Burns, Justine

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11877

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11877