2021: Synthesizing, interpreting and extrapolating interventions to foster human development– Prof Susan Walker

The follow-up of the Jamaica home-visiting intervention has been highly influential in demonstrating the potential gains from early stimulation interventions for adult outcomes. In this study we are collaborating with the Center for the Economics of Human Development at the University of Chicago to investigate the mechanisms underlying the treatment effects using innovative analytical strategies. The study will also draw comparisons with other successful early childhood programs with follow-up to adulthood and compare the growth of skills by age. We will investigate the impact of early childhood programs on social mobility and conduct cost benefit and rate of return analysis incorporating impacts on adult earnings. With recognition of the importance of early childhood development there has been an expansion of parenting interventions but as yet very few long-term follow-up evaluations. Another important aim of this project will be the use of validated dynamic models to forecast long-run outcomes.

Project PI; James Heckman, University of Chicago

Investigators: Susan Walker, Principal Investigator; Co-Investigators Susan Chang-Lopez, Amika wright

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Bureau of Economic Research