Start Earlier, Stay Healthier? An Earlier Start to Public Preschool May Improve Detection of Health Problems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Public preschool can provide opportunities for earlier detection of child health problems and receipt of special needs services. This is especially important for children from low-income households who disproportionately face cost barriers to obtaining health screenings and services.

Objective

This study explores the possibility that entering public preschool at age 3 instead of age 4 could contribute to earlier detection of health problems and receipt of special needs services for low-income children.

Method

We analyzed data on 757 low-income children in Tulsa, Oklahoma who attended Head Start or public pre-k. We compared rates of parent-reported health conditions and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) at age 4 according to children's pattern of prescho

SUBMITTER: Wright A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12288846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature