Prekinder programs give Latino children an academic boost for years

by Michele McDonald

Prekinder programs give Latino children an academic boost for years

Psychology professor Adam Winsler’s new research has discovered that preschool programs benefit low-income Latino children and could impact future policy decisions.

Enrollment of Latino children in Miami, Fla. in early care and education programs is relatively low, with six in 10 not attending preschool before kindergarten. In addition, few long-term evaluations of early care and education programs have included Latino children. Now a new study has found that low-income Latino children who attended either public school prekindergarten or center-based care with child care subsidies at age 4 did well through the end of third grade, but those in public school prekindergarten did better academically than those in center-based care, especially English language learners.

“Our work reveals that policymakers should consider that such programs can help put Latino children on a path toward more positive school achievement,” said Winsler. His other recent work includes a study that shows teens who don't get enough sleep are more at risk for depression, substance abuse and even suicide.