When policy makers and elected officials discuss the benefits of early learning and their costs, one topic consistently arises – the possible fadeout effect of early learning. Although the overwhelming research shows many positive benefits of quality early learning experience, there are a few studies that indicate that the value of early learning fades by the time some children reach middle elementary grades. The truth concerning the benefits of early learning is much more complex. It includes such factors as the quality of the early learning program and the length and frequency of the program. It also varies from child to child depending on their situation and experiences. The research is clear that the majority of children from a disadvantaged background will gain greatly from early intervention such as a quality preschool program. Those benefits extend into adulthood and have been well documented in numerous studies including the Perry Preschool Project.
The bottom line is that although the benefits of early learning programs don’t extend to all children equally, it would be wrong to say that a fadeout of benefits happens for all children. The great majority of children profit from a quality early learning experience. To read more about this complex issue please follow this link to a comprehensive article from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.