An article written in the New York Times Magazine explains the results of a study (The High Scope Perry Preschool Study Through Age 40) regarding the long term effects of Head Start and high quality pre-school services. The study showed that children who participated in the program fared significantly better in many areas than their peers who did not have the high quality pre-school experience. As adults in their 40’s, the participants of the study had more positive gains than those who did not attend the pre-school program in the areas of education, crime, family stability and income. One inescapable statistic, estimated by economists, shows a return to society greater than $250,000 (calculated in the year 2000 dollars) on an investment of just $15,166 which is 17 dollars for every dollar invested.

This study along with many others simply confirms what everyone in the early care and education field has been saying for many years. A high quality pre-school intervention program, of which Head Start leads the way, is one of the best investments a society can make for its’ future.

Please feel free to browse through our site. I hope you find the information useful. If you have any questions about the program or if you have any suggestions I encourage you to contact us. Thank you for taking the time to visit us.

Warm Regards,

Jeffrey E. Benatti
Executive Director