Study: Attending Pre-Kindergarten May Lead To Healthier Adult Life
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – According to a study from researchers at the University of North Carolina, there is evidence that links pre-kindergarten enrollment to adult health.
A team has been tracking a group of low-income children since the 1970's. The individuals were enrolled in the daycare as infants.
The study, called the Carolina Abecedarian Project (ABC), was launched to see the benefits of early childhood education for low-income individuals.
Researchers suspect that the stability of five years of pre-K may have shielded the children against the stress and health risks of growing up poor.
At the daycare, children were enrolled as infants and the employees were instructed to give the kids brain stimulation from the start.
The children also received pediatric care and checkups on site.
According to researchers, over the years they noted less crime and higher income among the group. They also found the group to have better blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Researchers believe it may be because the group got a better nutritional start in life.
Children's progress was monitored over time with follow-up studies conducted at ages 12, 15, and 21.
The study has fueled a growing belief that cognitive and social habits that children adopt in their younger years have long-term effects.
For more information on the study, click here.