Dive Brief:

• Researchers from the University of North Carolina have found a link between early education interventions and better long-term health.  

• The randomized study—which followed individuals for 35 years—found that underprivileged children receiving early education opportunities prior to five years of age were both more likely to be successful in school and to have better health in their 30s.

• The researchers believe stress ultimately plays the biggest role in the findings, as a child enrolled in a stable, year-long early education program is more likely to have the skills needed to combat chronic stress later in life.   

Dive Insight:

While they note stress as a major factor in their findings, other factors could include better diet (meals are provided at the early education center) and stability (children who had the better health were able to attend the same childcare center for many years, versus constantly moving around).

The study’s findings touch on some of the findings from a recent report out of England that says moving schools can affect pre-teen mental health.  Both pieces of research point to the need for stability when raising and educating a child.