Minority families, early education, and later life chances.

Abstract

Children from low-income minority families participated in early childhood education programs conducted in the 1960s and 1970s by members of the Consortium for Longitudinal Studies. Data on program impact from early childhood to young adulthood revealed direct, positive effects on standardized tests, school competence, attitudes toward achievement, high school completion, and occupational attitudes. Indirect program effects were found on occupational attainment.