Does Universal, Free Pre-Kindergarten Encourage Female Labor Force Participation? Poster 52

In 1995 and 1998 respectively, Georgia and Oklahoma began providing universal, free pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds. While 42 states offer some form of state-funded preschool, many of these programs have strict eligibility... [ view full abstract ]

In 1995 and 1998 respectively, Georgia and Oklahoma began providing universal, free pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds. While 42 states offer some form of state-funded preschool, many of these programs have strict eligibility requirements. Georgia and Oklahoma were the first states to offer truly universal pre-kindergarten. Using CPS data and a diff-in-diff framework, I determine the effects of Georgia and Oklahoma’s pre-kindergarten programs on female labor force participation and birth spacing. I create a synthetic Georgia and Oklahoma as a control group using women with 4-year-olds residing in the remaining 48 states as a donor pool. The treatment group is comprised of women with 4-year-olds residing in Georgia and Oklahoma, as the policy would have affected these women specifically. I examine data 10 years prior to the legislation and 10 years after to establish pre- and post-policy groups. The results of my research could have large policy implications, either encouraging the development of more universal pre-kindergarten programs as a means of increasing female labor force participation or promoting the redirection of resources to more effective initiatives.