This paper reviews the international (non-U.S.) evidence on the benefits of early childhood
interventions. A total of 38 contrasts of 30 interventions in 23 countries were analyzed. It
focuses on studies applying a quasi-experimental or random assignment. Studies were
coded according to: the type of intervention (cash transfer, nutritional, educational or
mixed); sample size; study design and duration; country; target group (infants, prekindergarten);
subpopulations of interventions; and dosage of intervention. Cohen’s D effect sizes
were calculated for four outcomes: cognitive gains; behavioral change; health gains; and
amount of schooling.Wefind children from different context and countries receive substantial
cognitive, behavioral, health and schooling benefits from early childhood interventions.
The benefits are sustained over time. Interventions that have an educational or stimulation
component evidenced the largest cognitive effects